Height: 9.7 cm; Mouth diameter: 21.1 cm; Base diameter: 11.7 cm
The lid of the accompanying box bears the inscription “Kōchi-yaki Shallow Water Jar.” At the time, pottery featuring a variety of colored glazes was collectively referred to as Kōchi-yaki in Japan; however, unlike Kōchi-yaki from the southern regions, this water jar employs the Hōka technique, which was highly popular during the Ming Dynasty. Many examples of Kōchi-yaki from the Heian period imitated this Hōka style.
The rim is rounded, the base tapers inward to form a go-board-style bottom, and the peony branch motifs arranged on three sides of the body are rendered with raised lines. The green glaze applied to the interior is deep, creating a beautiful contrast with the yellow glaze on the exterior. The flowers are purple, the leaves are dark green, and the base is painted purple. The “Yongle” mark is stamped in the center of the base, and “Made by Zen’gorō” is inscribed on the bottom of the accompanying box.
