Shigaraki Fresh Water Jar, 19. Century

Bold 19th century freshwater jar of square shape and rustic appearance with certification by Ueda Noakata V. Made of dark shigaraki clay, it has a rough texture with many cracks and impurities in it. The body is partially covered with a greenish milky glaze of natural ash. The form is probably thrown on a potter's wheel and then trimmed and shaped with a paddle. The lid is made of black lacquered wood and fits perfectly over the mouth of the vessel.

The attached storage box is inscribed by Naokata, who certifies: Ko-shigaraki shihō mizusashi ("Old Shigaraki Square Freshwater Pitcher"), Shikaraku-gama 紫香楽窯 ("Purple-scented pleasure pot"), Naokata shiki 直方識 ("Identified by Naokata").

Ueda Naokata V was born in Shigaraki and graduated from the Kyōto National Ceramics Laboratory. He then trained under his father, Ueda Naokata IV (1898-1975), whom he succeeded in 1975, the year of his death. Ueda V was selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. He had many exhibitions at the Takashimaya department store in Kyōto and many other places. He was a member of the Japan Crafts Association (Nihon Kōgei-kai).

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