Kataguchi (spouted vessel)

From Kyoto, Japan
Edo period, 18th century AD

Such spouted vessels were originally for domestic use, but were ideal for use as kensui, or waste water vessels, for the Tea Ceremony. Fine pieces such as this were probably made for that function. The mark 'Akahadayama' stamped on the base is that of a studio active in Kyoto from the end of the sixteenth century.