Art Institute of Chicago

Ritual Wash Basin

Japan

Date

16th century

Medium

Black lacquer and zelkova wood (keyaki)

Culture

Japan

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Large lacquered footed basins such as this were used in aristocratic households or temples to hold water for personal cleansing during a monthly Buddhist ceremony. Here the interior and exterior walls of the vessel are covered with black lacquer, except for a decorative band of unpainted zelkova wood that encircles the outer body. This type of wood was prized for its distinctive flame-patterned grain.

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