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Tea Caddy (Chaire)

18th century
Not on view
The clean shape of this tea caddy and the unique texture of the glaze are probably what caught Moore’s attention. Tea culture (chanoyu) in Japan dates back to the medieval period and relates to Buddhist practices, but it was primarily Sen no Rikyū (1522–1591) in Kyoto who established the Japanese-style tea. He created austere surroundings for the tea gatherings with a preference for Japanese utensils that are often imperfect or asymmetrical, an aesthetic known as wabi-sabi.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tea Caddy (Chaire)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: 18th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Stoneware with iron glaze (Seto ware); ivory lid
  • Dimensions: H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.1.157
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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