Dimensions
Height: 2.8 cm
Mouth Diameter: 5.0–7.5 cm
Body Diameter: 6.7–9.2 cm
Base Diameter: 6.1–9.0 cm
Weight: 58 g
Komei’s ceramic works, rooted in the sencha tea ceremony tradition, show little influence from matcha tea, and incense boxes are particularly rare. Moreover, he excelled at imitating Chinese products, which can occasionally be found. This incense box was originally fired in Kaga Kanazawa, specifically at the Kutani kiln, yet it was created using a uniquely original color scheme and subject matter.
Its shape is an unprecedented open fan design, conceived as a fan or box lid for a medicine chest. The base is neatly formed. On the lid surface, plum branches are vividly painted on the fan surface, while the sides feature a pattern of seven treasures. The delicate gold coloring creates a unique composition.
The base bears the Kagoya kiln mark.
While Komei often imitated Chinese ceramics in his incense boxes, this particular piece is a masterpiece of the Japanese style, hence its special mention.
