Hot Water Pot

Likely used during Zen temple meals, this pot has a fixed black handle and small black feet. The top of the rectangular lid handle was carved in the shape of a chrysanthemum blossom. As a result of prolonged use, the red outer lacquer surface of Negoro wares such as this pot gradually and irregularly wore away, exposing the black lacquer underneath; this effect of natural aging became prized among vessels of this kind.