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Artworks
artisan's name unknown
hi-ire, Early Meiji period, Late 1800sceramic vessel
3-1/2”h x 4”w x 4”d%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3Eartisan%27s%20name%20unknown%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3Ehi-ire%2C%20Early%20Meiji%20period%2C%20%20Late%201800s%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3Eceramic%20vessel%20%20%20%3Cbr/%3E%0A%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E3-1/2%E2%80%9Dh%20x%204%E2%80%9Dw%20x%204%E2%80%9Dd%3C/div%3ECalled hi-ire, this object is a small vessel whose only purpose is to hold some ash and a tiny charcoal from which waiting guests could light their pipe tobacco before...Called hi-ire, this object is a small vessel whose only purpose is to hold some ash and a tiny charcoal from which waiting guests could light their pipe tobacco before being invited inside the tea room. Notice the obsessive compulsive blue décor by a master craftsperson running all around it? Even removed from its traditional and functional setting in the Way of Tea, the object stands up on its own.
Beyond a humble charcoal holding pot, I feel the convergence of the artisan’s and connoisseur’s mutual obsession. Is you obsession for beauty reflects theirs?
