CYLINDRICAL THREE-TIERED BOX AND COVER

Hizen ware, Kokutani type; porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze colored enamels
Japan, Edo period (1615−1868), ca. 1660
7½ in. (19.4 cm) high; 6½ in. (16.5 cm) diameter
Published: Hayashiya Seizō, et al. Nihon no tōji (Encyclopedia of Japanese Ceramics), vol. 11, Kokutani. Tokyo: Chūō Kōronsha,
1975, no. 173.

This tiered box is covered with a finely patterned background in red enamel. Wrapping across the cylindrical surface is a cloud adorned by plum blossoms with birds as well as peonies with lions, rendered with fine outlines and colored with painterly daubs of enamel. The lid features roundels with butterflies. This dynamic design makes this piece a delightful example of Japanese enameled porcelain.