Ritual Wash Basin
Original Language Title根来足付盥
CultureJapanese
DateMuromachi period (1392-1568)
MediumRed and black lacquer on wood (Negoro ware)
DimensionsOverall: 4 1/4 × 14 3/4 inches (10.8 × 37.47 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
Object number31-117/30
On View
Not on viewCollections
Gallery LabelBuddhist Monks washed their hands in this basin as part of a self-cleansing ritual called fusatsu, held on the 15th day of each month. Made from the sap of lacquer trees, lacquer is a lightweight and durable material that that can be mixed with pigments. Negoro ware is a distinctive type of ware made of wood, which is then coated with red and black lacquer. As these wares age, the black lacquer becomes visible under the red, creating an appealing, antiqued appearance.
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