Water jar, Delftware オランダ水指

器の上下にくびれのあるのが特徴のアルバレロ(※)と呼ばれる形で、元々は小さな薬壷だったものを日本から水指として大きさを変え注文したと考えられる。塗蓋を後から合わせて作られている。

乳白色の地に青色を基調に緑や茶で葉や唐草のような草文が伸びやかに描かれている。
大きな葉や実は太く、力強い筆遣い、間を埋める蔓は細い線で描かれ奥行を出しているのも活き活きと感じ、面白い。

薄暗い茶室に、ふと明かりが射すような効果を与えてくれそう。


※アルバレロとは元は修道院薬局で使われていた小さな薬壷。
江戸時代より日本に渡り、茶人には茶器などとして親しまれた。

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This vessel features a shape known as "albarello," characterized by a narrow neck at both the top and bottom. Originally, it was a small apothecary jar, but it appears to have been custom-ordered from Japan with altered dimensions to serve as a mizusashi (water container for the tea ceremony). The lacquered lid was made separately and fitted later.
On a milky white background, dynamic motifs of leaves and arabesques are painted in blue, with touches of green and brown. The large leaves and fruits are depicted with bold, vigorous brushstrokes, while the thin lines of the vines filling the gaps add depth and vitality, creating an engaging appearance.
It seems to offer an effect like a sudden burst of light in a dimly lit tea room.

Note: The albarello was originally a small apothecary jar used in monastery pharmacies. It was brought to Japan during the Edo period and became cherished by tea masters as a tea utensil.