Sugimoto Sadamitsu 杉本貞光 (*1935)

Born in Tokyo in 1935, Sugimoto is a self-taught, revered master of Iga and Shigaraki pottery. Known for his deep dedication to traditional Japanese ceramics, he built his own anagama kiln in Shigaraki in 1968, immersing himself in the study of historic Shigaraki and Iga ware. His journey took on a profound spiritual aspect in 1974, when he became a disciple of Zen Buddhism under Tachibana Daiki, the 511th head monk of Daitoku-ji. This rigorous Zen training has imbued his works with a spirit of simplicity and freedom, establishing Sugimoto as one of the most admired Iga potters of our time.

This mizusashi (water container) is a unique, tall, and slender piece, known as a hoso-mizusashi or “tall mizusashi,” designed for a special tea room arrangement used from mid to late October. In this period, as the outdoor temperatures gradually fall, a custom known as nakaoki takes place: the furo (charcoal brazier), typically set to the left, is moved to the center of the tatami, symbolically drawing warmth closer to the guests in the room. This setup is part of the furo nagori tradition, a seasonal “farewell to the furo” before transitioning to the sunken hearth for the winter months.

An additional feature of this tall mizusashi is its dual-purpose design, making it versatile enough to function as both a water container and a flower vase. The dimensions of the piece are ideally suited for flower arrangements, and Sugimoto acknowledged this dual use by inscribing “flower vase” (hanaire) on the original box, while also providing a black lacquered lid. This thoughtful design offers a harmonious blend of functionality and elegance, perfectly suited for both traditional tea gatherings and floral displays.

Sugimoto’s works have been widely exhibited and are represented in numerous esteemed museum collections around the world, including the Tokyo National Museum, the Brooklyn Museum and the Pavilion for Japanese Art of the Los Angeles County Museum. His pieces have also been featured in cultural events like the 1989 exhibition commemorating the 400th anniversary of tea master Sen no Rikyū and were chosen by director Teshigahara Hiroshi for a film on Rikyū, further highlighting Sugimoto’s prominence as a modern master of Japanese tea ware.

This exceptional mizusashi is signed by the artist on the base and is accompanied by its original, inscribed, signed, and sealed wooden box, adding further provenance to this remarkable item.

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