Untitled

Unknown

early 19th century · Porcelain covered with glaze, over which is a design in gold lacquer (Kyoto ware) · Asian Art

The small porcelain sake bottle appears to be made of wood covered in lacquer. Its dark brown glaze, mimicking a black lacquer surface, is embellished with a gold and silver “sprinkled picture” (maki-e) bird-and-flower composition. The design may be based on a traditional pattern showing a warbler on a plum tree, an auspicious symbol of the new year that refers to the “First Song of Spring” (Hatsune) chapter of The Tale of Genji.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 19th century

Medium

Porcelain covered with glaze, over which is a design in gold lacquer (Kyoto ware)

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891