Inkstand
Unknown Artist
1800
Medium
Porcelain decorated in blue under the glaze; the top pierced (Arita ware, Imari type)
Dimensions
H. 1 in. (2.5 cm); W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); L. 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
Gift of Mrs. V. Everit Macy, 1923
Accession Number
23.225.172
Art Historical Context
This delicate inkstand, crafted around 1800 during Japan's Edo period (16151868), exemplifies the porcelain artistry of Arita ware from the Imari kilns in Saga Prefecture. Measuring just 1 inch high, 1¾ inches wide, and 3 inches long its petite scale belies its functional elegance as a holder for ink, likely used in calligraphy or scholarly pursuits. The porcelain is decorated in vibrant blue under the glaze—a technique where cobalt pigment is applied before firing, ensuring colors remain vivid and unfading—while the pierced top allowed ink to breathe without spilling, showcasing clever design...