Square bottle with stopper (one of a pair)

Unknown

ca. 1690–1720 · Hard-paste porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze enamel and gilding · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The form of these bottles is based upon Dutch glass examples made for storing liquids. Potters in both Japan and China were quick to copy Western forms in order to make their export wares more easily saleable in European markets. While Japanese porcelains were imported into Europe in increasing numbers in the early eighteenth century, they nevertheless remained luxury objects and were prized in part due to the durability of porcelain, which was only beginning to be manufactured in Europe at this time.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1690–1720

Medium

Hard-paste porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze enamel and gilding

Culture

Japanese, for export market (Hizen ware, Imari type)

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Jane Hardesty Poole, 2019