根来足付盥|Ritual Wash Basin (Ashitsuki-darai)

Unknown

16th century · Wood with red and black lacquer, and exposed keyaki wood · Asian Art

Vessels coated in red over black lacquer, called Negoro wares, were produced largely for Buddhist and Shinto use. They demonstrate simple, sturdy constructions, as in this example with a round body and three curved legs. Buddhist monks would wash their hands in basins like this during a monthly purification ritual (fusatsue) in which they performed self-examination and renewed their vows. Gradually, the outermost red lacquer would become worn, exposing the black underlayer.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Wood with red and black lacquer, and exposed keyaki wood

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015