Artwork Page for Hand-held Teapot

Details / Information for Hand-held Teapot

Hand-held Teapot

1893–1914

Seifū Yohei III 三代清風与平

(Japanese, 1851–1914)
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Culture
Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)
Medium
Porcelain with molded and carved design and cream glaze
Measurements
height with lid: 6 cm (2 3/8 in.); width with spout: 9.5 cm (3 3/4 in.); Diameter: 8.2 cm (3 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of James and Christine Heusinger 2022.174
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This pot’s restrained design includes on the lid’s handle a yin-yang motif, symbolizing the ideal balance between the forces of the universe.

Description

This teapot is of a variety used by advanced sencha practitioners. Called a hōhin, the pot is designed to be held directly by the fingers, with the body touching the upper part of the palm. This shape allows the host to manipulate the pot with a single hand and demonstrate dexterity. Direct contact between the ceramic body and the hand allows the host to closely gauge the temperature of the water within. There are differing grades of sencha, and for the finest one, gyokuro, the water temperature must be carefully regulated to achieve the proper flavor. This vessel is therefore efficacious for preparing this high-quality tea. The hōhin is also extremely portable, so it is well suited for impromptu gatherings.

According to its box, this teapot is an example of taihakuji. “Great-white porcelain” was an important early invention Yohei III devised in 1972. It involved the combination of a distinctive translucent, creamy glaze over an ivory-colored clay body.
A porcelain vessel coated in a glossy cream glaze features a bowl-like body tapering toward a flat base. A matching circular lid with a small, rounded knob sits within the rim. A short spout integrates seamlessly into the side, its interior wall pierced with small circular holes to serve as a built-in strainer. The smooth surface and minimalist silhouette emphasize the vessel's elegant, functional design and uniform, ivory-white finish.

Hand-held Teapot

1893–1914

Seifū Yohei III

(Japanese, 1851–1914)
Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)

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