Japan
Jar
Momoyama period, late 16th century
Iga ware, glazed stoneware
ht.: 33 cm; diam.: 24.2 cm
Through prior gifts of Josephine P. Albright in memory of Alice Higinbotham Patterson; Mrs. Tiffany Black, John Carlson, Mrs. Kent S. Clow, Edith Farnsworth, Alfred E. Hamill, and Mrs. Charles S. Potter and Mrs. Hunnewell in memory of Mrs. Freeman Hinkley, 1987.146

The collapsed shoulder, along with the color and dripping glaze (surface coating), make this storage jar appear as if it is almost melting. Such imperfections resulted from firing accidents or were  deliberately made by Japanese potters. 

The random, chance effects were particularly admired in vessels used in the tea ceremony. This storage jar probably held water used in making the tea.