Bowl with Dragons Chasing Flaming Jewels

1893–97

Seifū Yohei III 三代清風与平

(Japanese, 1851–1914)

Culture

Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912) to Taishō period (1912–26)

Medium

Porcelain with molded and carved design

Measurements

9.5 x 18.6 cm (3 3/4 x 7 5/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of James and Christine Heusinger 2022.238

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

Kyoto-based Japanese ceramist Seifū Yohei III (1851–1914) admired the glaze colors found on Chinese porcelain and tried to replicate them through intensive experimentation.

Description

The decoration of this large bowl, described as a donburi on one side of its box, is executed entirely in molded and carved relief under a creamy, pink-tinged translucent glaze. The main motif is a pair of four-clawed dragons pursuing flaming jewels. As is standard for this design, the beasts are surrounded by wisps of cloud, and a foliate pattern runs around the bottom of the basin. A geometric pattern circles the exterior of the footring. The white-on-white design makes the bowl subtle and elegant.