Asian Arts | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries | Message Board

Hello, i have this very unusual Vessel in Biscuit porcelain with a Jun Type glaze, it has molded design flowers and a top handle, there are two holes one large and a smaller double gourd shaped one at the top. it is a fine quality object i just do not know its purpose. i thought possibly a Incense burner or perfumer?

if anyone knows what it is for and what possibly age it may have that would be great? i personally think 18th / 19th century there is a good genuine crackle to the glaze from age.

thank you in advance
kind regards Steve

The colours and relief decoration remind me of Japanese Kairakuen wares.
Mat

Thank you for your Suggestion i had a look in to Kairakuen ware after you mentioned this, the other examples i have found have more of a Tube lined decoration on a more traditional Porcelain, Mine is like a Biscuit Porcelain with molded relief decoration, although as you say the Colours are very similar. Do you know or any Kairakuen which has this molded floral design?
also i am still stumped as two what the object is for if anyone could input at all?

thank you for your reply
kind regards Steve

I have seen Kairakuen ware with relief decoration, when you google "Kairakuen vase", you will see some examples. I am not sure if your piece is indeed Kairakuen, but I believe it to be Japanese, as the shape exists in Japan. I think it is a hand warmer. Here is an Imari example in the Toguri museum: http://www.toguri-museum.or.jp/tenrankai/next.php

Asian Arts | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries | Message Board