Sake Bottle (Tokkuri)

Currently not on view

Sake Bottle (Tokkuri)

c. 1660-1680

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

The technique of applying enamel decoration to porcelain came to Japan from China through the port of Nagasaki, probably around 1650. Successive generations of potters using the name Kakiemon became the recognized masters of this technique, which they had perfected by the time of Kakiemon IV (1640-1679). For this tokkuri, or sake bottle, the artists used a striking cobalt blue for the lions, along with an azure blue, a soft orange/red, and a pale yellow for the floral vines and chrysanthemums. This piece is unusual both for its shape and large size.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Sake Bottle (Tokkuri)

Date:

c. 1660-1680

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Medium:

Porcelain with overglaze enamel decoration (Arita ware, Kakiemon style)

Dimensions:

13 3/8 x 7 7/16 inches (34 x 18.9 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Hollis Fund for East Asian Art Acquisitions and the East Asian Art Revolving Fund, 2005

Accession Number:

2005-146-1

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

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Currently not on view