Oil Jar
CultureJapanese
Date16th century
MediumGlazed stoneware (Seto or Mino ware)
DimensionsOverall: 5 × 5 1/8 inches (12.7 × 13.02 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Arthur C. Everham
Object numberR50-8/6
On View
Not on viewCollections
Gallery LabelAlthough the dark, glossy glaze on the jar looks rather plain, when it was made, its rich, lustrous surface was considered a marvel of technical accomplishment. It was the only finely glazed pottery then being produced in Japan. Ceramics like this were used by the elite—high-ranking, well-educated samurai and aristocrats—who admired similar products imported from China.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
