Artwork Page for Sake Flask

Details / Information for Sake Flask

Sake Flask

1500s

Japan, Muromachi period

(1392–1573)
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Medium
Black laquered wood with red lacquer
Measurements
Diameter: 24 cm (9 7/16 in.); Overall: 30.5 cm (12 in.)
Credit Line
Seventy-fifth anniversary gift of Mitsuru Tajima 1991.47.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The evocative imagery of brushed leaves and bunches of grapes suggest that the artist referred to a particular painting when decorating this vase.

Description

This flask contained rice wine, or sake. Its wood body was shaped by a lathe before black lacquer was applied to the surface. A red lacquer design of grapevines, an auspicious motif, covers the surface. With their numerous, long-lasting fruits, grapevines traditionally symbolized fertility and longevity in East Asia.
A black lacquered wood flask, with a wide, flattened body tapering into a tall, flaring pedestal, features a short cylindrical neck. Fine red lacquer designs of three-lobed leaves and thin vines decorate the smooth, dark surface. Clusters of leaves on the upper right connect to a single vine trailing down to more foliage at the base. The piece combines a sharp, sculptural form with delicate, reddish-orange patterns.

Sake Flask

1500s

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)

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