Square Serving Dish with Bail Handle

Japan, Gifu Prefecture
Momoyama period, late 16th century
Stoneware painted with iron brown on slip under glaze and a partial overlay of copper green glaze, (Mino ware, Oribe type)
5 1/2 x 8 1/8 x 8 1/8 in. (14.0 x 20.4 x 20.4 cm) with handle; 1979.226


Artist Comments

Tan Dun
 A Re-Departure on the Past

In the process of choosing these objects,
I have reflected on the experience of drinking these three spirits as one--composing.

Wine: ritual
Tea: mind
Water: eternity

With wine comes both sorrow and cheer. With tea comes both the bitter and sweet. With water comes the complexity of life and transparency.

Which one is the hardest to drink?
Water, tea, or wine?

To me, water is the most difficult to taste--
An endless mirror

What is it to you?
Let's talk.

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