In this video, we examine a ceramic tea caddy made in China during the Yuan dynasty and used for centuries in Japanese tea practice (chanoyu) for serving matcha. We also discuss how tea practitioners stored this caddy in layers of textiles and containers from various cultures, giving those objects new meaning.
Speakers: Dr. Sol Jung, Shirley Z. Johnson Assistant Curator of Japanese Art, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, and Dr. Steven Zucker, Smarthistory
Tea caddy, named Sakai Kokatatsuki, with red lacquer tray and scroll; China, 1279–1368; brown stoneware with black iron glaze and ivory lid; lacquer; paper and silk; 6.9 × 4.9 cm (2 11/16 × 1 15/16 in.); National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Gregory Kinsey, Kinsey Chanoyu Collection, in honor of Louise Cort and in appreciation of her years of scholarship in support of Chanoyu education in the U.S., F2021.3.5.1a–gg–3a–e
More information about this object:
https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-culture/collections/search/edanmdm:fsg_F2021.3.5.1a-gg-3a-e/
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art: asia.si.edu
Smarthistory: smarthistory.org
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