Negoro ware ewer

Negoro ware takes its name from Negoro-ji, a powerful Shingon Buddhidt temple in modern Wakayama Prefecture where this type of lacquer was said to have been first made and used. The temple was constructed in 1140 CE and production of the distinctive red and black lacquers probably soon afterwards. Negoro ware largely imitated Chinese or other continental Asian forms popular at the time.

Negoro ware forms include tables, trays, wine flasks, ewers and food vessels. Most early examples were for everyday use, such as this ewer, which would have been used for hot water. Gradually the surface lacquer wore away in irregular patches to reveal a different colour of lacquer beneath. The effect was much appreciated and consciously reproduced in later centuries until the destruction of Negoro-ji Temple and the surrounding area by the military ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-98) in 1585. This ewer with its strong sculptural form and deep red lacquer finish is an important early example of this type of ware.

Nicole Rousmaniere, 1997