Cup with Cover

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Cup with Cover* from Edo period (1615–1868), around 1780, exemplifies the refined porcelain artistry of the time. Standing just 3 3/4 inches tall, its petite scale made it ideal for intimate rituals like tea drinking or serving, reflecting the era's vibrant urban culture and growing merchant class, who prized such elegant everyday objects. The cup's white porcelain body is adorned with blue decoration painted under the glaze—a durable technique borrowed from Chinese influences but perfected in Japanese kilns—then enhanced with vibrant colored enamels and gold accents applied over the glaze and fired at lower temperatures. This polychrome approach created luminous, jewel-like effects, blending functionality with opulent beauty and showcasing Edo potters' technical mastery. As a gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1893, this piece highlights the global appreciation for Japanese ceramics during the 19th century. Visitors can admire how it captures the period's harmonious fusion of tradition and luxury, inviting a closer look at its subtle sheen and intricate details.