Lidded Jar
ca. 1870 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This cloisonné enamelled vessel shows distinctive Chinese influence both in the style and subject matter of the decoration and in the use of wires and enamelling techniques. The black lacquered wooden lid is a later addition to the vessel which has possibly been intended for use as a mizusashi (water container) for the tea ceremony. The bowl is similar in many respects to a documented temple bowl by Kaji Tsunekichi.
The copper body is decorated with a curious mythical beast (perhaps a dragon), a stylised lotus (or the Buddhist hosoge flower) and geometric motifs on a matt blue enamel ground with many gilded brass wires. The base carries the Japanese character raku (pleasure) in red enamel.
The interior is decorated with a design that includes a mythical killer-whale (Japanese: shachi). This creature is often represented in an architectural context on Japanese rooftops. Here it appears against a background of cloud-like whorls. The shachi has long been associated with the city of Nagoya, home of Kaji Tsunekichi who began the renaissance of cloisonné enamel manufacture in Japan. A large gilded shachi can still be seen on the top of Nagoya Castle.
The copper body is decorated with a curious mythical beast (perhaps a dragon), a stylised lotus (or the Buddhist hosoge flower) and geometric motifs on a matt blue enamel ground with many gilded brass wires. The base carries the Japanese character raku (pleasure) in red enamel.
The interior is decorated with a design that includes a mythical killer-whale (Japanese: shachi). This creature is often represented in an architectural context on Japanese rooftops. Here it appears against a background of cloud-like whorls. The shachi has long been associated with the city of Nagoya, home of Kaji Tsunekichi who began the renaissance of cloisonné enamel manufacture in Japan. A large gilded shachi can still be seen on the top of Nagoya Castle.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Copper, cloisonné enamel |
| Brief description | Met, Japan, VESS/CONT/HOLDERS, CLOISONNE Met, Japan, VESS/CONT/HOLDERS |
| Physical description | Lidded jar, possibly a water-container (Japanese: mizusashi) |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | Purchased from Mr. Hogitaro Inada (78 Guildford Street, Russell Square, W.C.), accessioned in 1910. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. The vessel was purchased for £8. as part of a group (which included M.438 to 443-191) from Hogitaro Inada, 78 Guildford Street, Russell Square, London W.6.;; |
| Summary | This cloisonné enamelled vessel shows distinctive Chinese influence both in the style and subject matter of the decoration and in the use of wires and enamelling techniques. The black lacquered wooden lid is a later addition to the vessel which has possibly been intended for use as a mizusashi (water container) for the tea ceremony. The bowl is similar in many respects to a documented temple bowl by Kaji Tsunekichi. The copper body is decorated with a curious mythical beast (perhaps a dragon), a stylised lotus (or the Buddhist hosoge flower) and geometric motifs on a matt blue enamel ground with many gilded brass wires. The base carries the Japanese character raku (pleasure) in red enamel. The interior is decorated with a design that includes a mythical killer-whale (Japanese: shachi). This creature is often represented in an architectural context on Japanese rooftops. Here it appears against a background of cloud-like whorls. The shachi has long been associated with the city of Nagoya, home of Kaji Tsunekichi who began the renaissance of cloisonné enamel manufacture in Japan. A large gilded shachi can still be seen on the top of Nagoya Castle. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.437-1910 |
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| Record created | December 15, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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