Japanese, Hizen
Incense Burner with Scene of Figures Playing a Game and Cover with Perforated Floral Design, about 1821-1860
Porcelain, 8.3 x 7.9 cm (3 1/4 x 3 1/8 in.)
Small, cylindrical, Japanese white and blue porcelain incense burner. It is made of two parts: the lower, two-thirds constitutes the incense burner; and the upper-third, the convex cover. The bottom portion has a shallow, round, white base, while the body has a white porcelain background around which human figures appear in muted shades of blue. These figures are engaged in everyday activities, such as three men in kimonos around a table, or an adult carrying a large child with a balloon, all placed above an uneven, blue-toned ground, interspersed with occasional blue gate-like structures and vegetative elements, similar to trees or flowers. The cover has a thin, vertical lip with short blue decorative markings against a white porcelain background. The remainder of the highly glazed cover takes the form of graceful tree branches terminating in round flowers and leaves, between which empty spaces allow the incense aroma to escape.
Short Gallery
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.