Dimensions
Height: 4 cm
Mouth diameter: 5.0 cm
Body diameter: 5.5–6.0 cm
This incense container is believed to have been commissioned from Japan. While its shape is square-cornered, the lid depicts a design of lotus flowers beloved by the Song scholar Zhou Maoshu.
The figure leaning against the railing is Zhou Maoshu, while the dotted patterns on the pond surface are depicted as lotus leaves.
It is said that Japanese tea masters of the era when this piece was brought by ship had a custom of disregarding incense boxes of this type if they featured a figure but lacked lotus leaves, considering the composition incomplete. Therefore, if this figure were not even identified as Zhou Maoshu, such concern would likely have been unnecessary. If that is the case, might it not be acceptable to list an alternative name in the catalog?
This incense container, with its particularly well-balanced glaze and vivid firing, can be considered a fine piece.
In recent times, even this incense container, which I have occasionally seen, is becoming increasingly rare. I suspect this is due to the growing number of tea practitioners.
Celadon Wooden Fish
Available in large, medium, and small sizes. Reference item.
