Freshwater Jar (Mizusashi) 1650 - 1699

This freshwater jar was crafted by Ninsei II in Japan sometime between the late 17th to 19th century. Note the pattern adorning the jar’s surface. This latticework, a grid of crossing diagonal lines, is not merely decorative. It speaks to humanity's enduring quest to impose order upon the world. Such patterns evoke the image of nets, and can be found across cultures, from the fishnets of ancient Mesopotamia to the tiled mosaics of Rome. They symbolize interconnectedness and the unseen forces that bind us. The diamond shapes can be interpreted as eyes, offering visual echoes of our subconscious mind and primal need to see and be seen. Consider how this humble jar, through its pattern, connects us to a deep well of shared human experience, illustrating our enduring quest to understand the world.