Mid- to late 15th century

Sake Container

This sake container (heishi) is typical of the simple, utilitarian wares made at the Negoro-ji temple in Wakayama Prefecture. The famed temple produced lacquerwares for religious purposes from the late fourteenth century until its destruction by fire in 1568. In the 1550s, close to six thousand monks resided there, and specialized ateliers for lacquer production were built within the temple compounds. These vessels, usually made in pairs, held the ritual sake employed at Shinto shrine ceremonies and festivals.