Covered Jar
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Clay covered with a crackled glaze and decorated with polychrome enamels (Hizen ware, Kutani type)
Dimensions
H. 3 in. (7.6 cm); W. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1879
Accession Number
79.2.935a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate Covered Jar, crafted by an unknown artist in 18th-century Japan during the Edo period (161–1868), exemplifies refined artistry of Hizen ware in the Kutani type. Standing just 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall and wide its petite form was likely designed for intimate display or use in tea ceremonies, adorned with vibrant motifs of animals and flowers rendered in polychrome enamels over a distinctive crackled glaze. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through subscription purchase in 1879 it now graces the Asian Art department as a testament to Japan's ceramic mastery. The jar's mediu...