Ritual Wash Basin

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

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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