Japanese, Seto
Freshwater Jar (Mizu-sashi) with Lid, 19th century
Porcelain with cobalt pigment under clear glaze; lacquered lid, 13.8 x 12.4 x 12.4 cm (5 7/16 x 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 in.)
This Japanese square box is made of porcelain glazed with cobalt blue designs on a white ground. It has a dark lacquered, square lid with a small, open, semi-circle in the center. Each of the four sides of the box has a different geometric pattern of ground decoration in blue and white. Each ground pattern surrounds a central, white diamond shape enclosing a different blue and white scene of human figures in a landscape. All the central scenes show an arching tree, a tower, a distant mountain, a small bridge, and from one to three figures. The four sides of the box are united by a single, continuous, border design of stylized botanical forms on a deep blue ground.
Chinese Room
Commentary
This jar was made at a porcelain workshop in Seto. The decoration imitates the Chinese porcelain style know as Shonzui, introduced to Japan in the seventeenth century.
Source: Louise Allison Cort, "Mrs. Gardner's 'Set of Tea-Things,'" A Vehicle for Friendship, Power, and Aesthetic Instruction," in Journeys East: Isabella Stewart Gardner and Asia, edited by Alan Chong and Noriko Murai (Boston: ISGM and Gutenberg Periscope, 2009): 390.
Source: Louise Allison Cort, "Mrs. Gardner's 'Set of Tea-Things,'" A Vehicle for Friendship, Power, and Aesthetic Instruction," in Journeys East: Isabella Stewart Gardner and Asia, edited by Alan Chong and Noriko Murai (Boston: ISGM and Gutenberg Periscope, 2009): 390.