Saucers with Matching Shells
Medium
Set of five saucers; porcelain with molded designs and green crackled glaze
Dimensions
height (each): h. 3 cm · width (each): w. 12 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of James and Christine Heusinger
Accession Number
2022.188
Tags
About this artwork
Yohei III’s main output for his sophisticated clientele was in the form of tea sets and dining sets. He created a range of dishes in green glazes. He often produced in pairs, sets of five, or sets of ten. The set of five dishes with a more complex form is described as having a “water-colored glaze” (mizuiroyū). These are shaped like clam half shells, a reference to a game in which shell halves painted with narrative scenes or a variety of motifs must be matched back together by the players. The ...