青磁花唐草牡丹文冠形香炉|Incense Burner in the Shape of a Courtier’s Hat with Scrolling Peonies

Unknown

ca. 1690–1750 · Porcelain with celadon glaze (Hizen ware, Nabeshima type) · Asian Art

Over a relief pattern of peonies and scrolling vines, the surface of this incense burner is covered with a thick layer or two of glaze, as was characteristic of Nabeshima-type celadon vessels. The object’s complex form is based on the type of hat worn by courtiers during the Heian period (794–1185). These black-lacquered kanmuri had a shallow cap, a tall receptacle for the wearer’s topknot, two crossbars to provide stability, and a long, flat tail at the back. The unique shape of this refined celadon object recalls the representation of aristocrats in Japanese literary classics, such as The Tale of Genji.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1690–1750

Medium

Porcelain with celadon glaze (Hizen ware, Nabeshima type)

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Charles Stewart Smith, 1893