Saucers with Matching Shells

1893–1914

Part of a set, view all set records

Seifū Yohei III 三代清風与平

(Japanese, 1851–1914)

Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)

Set of five saucers; porcelain with molded designs and green crackled glaze

height (each): 3 cm (1 3/16 in.); width (each): 12 cm (4 3/4 in.); depth (each): 8.5 cm (3 3/8 in.)

Gift of James and Christine Heusinger 2022.188

Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

The saucers are meant to look like matched halves of clam shells in reference to a once popular game.

Description

Yohei III’s main output for his sophisticated clientele was in the form of tea sets and dining sets. He created a range of dishes in green glazes. He often produced in pairs, sets of five, or sets of ten.

The set of five dishes with a more complex form is described as having a “water-colored glaze” (mizuiroyū). These are shaped like clam half shells, a reference to a game in which shell halves painted with narrative scenes or a variety of motifs must be matched back together by the players. The dishes have molded details to articulate the shell forms, and the crackling across each shell adds another dimension to the surface. Each dish is set on three small feet, formed by a pinched piece of clay and attached to an unglazed area on the underside of the dish. Curiously, while four of the dishes are stamped with the artist’s mark, one has instead a signature carved into the base.