Cup
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Porcelain (Kyoto ware)
Dimensions
Diam. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo (1615–1868) or Meiji period (1868–1912)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Accession Number
91.1.210
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate porcelain cup, a fine example of Kyoto ware from 19th-century Japan, just 2 3/8 inches in diameter, perfect for intimate tea ceremonies sake service. Produced during the late Edo period (16151868) or early Meiji era (1868–1912), it exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Kyoto potters, who specialized in overglaze enamel techniques. Vibrant floral motifs, likely adorning its surface, reflect Japan's deep appreciation for nature's fleeting beauty, a hallmark of arts in this era. Kyoto ware emerged as a prestigious porcelain tradition, rivaling famed centers like Arita or Kutani....