Height 20.0 cm, mouth diameter 18.5 cm, bottom diameter 20.3 cm
This is one of the largest of the Bizen arrow-necked water jars, and is an excellent piece that shows a somewhat old-fashioned appearance. The shape of the vessel suggests that it was made around the same period, but it is difficult to determine the origin of this piece because of the difference in position in the kiln and the effect of the flame. This is one of the difficulties in making pottery such as Bizen, and it is also the source of its endless delicacy. The ash falls diagonally on the left side, and the sesame glaze forms a scabrous grayish-blue undercoat that, in combination with the iron-brown fired surface, gives the piece a heavy texture. The flat bottom is spatula-engraved with a “-” seal, and the lid is engraved with an “X” seal. Needless to say, the lid was probably added later.
The box inscription by Ryōrōsai Sōza, “Ganmatsu” on the front of the lid and “Kobizen sui-jigashi, Ganmatsu gōgo, Ryōrōsai (flower stamp)” on the back of the box, well captures the characteristics of this piece.
