Large blue and white porcelain tripod water basin, Japan, Seto kilns, 19th centuryDecorated on the inside with tsuru (red-headed cranes) above foaming waves; the outside of the basin is cut with alternating white and blue. The underside is covered with unglazed beads. Height: 17 cm; diameter: 41 cm Restored accident. This type of water basin (chozu bachi) was originally intended for purification at the entrance to temples or in private gardens, before becoming an essentially decorative object.