Ko-sometsuke
Baraset House offers a rare selection of 17th century Chinese Ming porcelain produced in Jingdezhen exclusively for the Japanese market.
Known as ko-sometsuke – ‘ko’ meaning ‘old’ and ‘sometsuke’ meaning ‘blue and white’ – these unique and characterful wares were mainly produced between 1620 and 1645 for the Japanese kaiseki (Tea Ceremony) which required a number of specific utensils such as incense burners (koro), incense containers (kogo), charcoal & water pots, and mukozuke food dishes.
Ko-sometsuke porcelain 古染付け was manufactured entirely to suit the tastes and sensibilities of the Japanese Tea Masters who embraced the sense of wabi-sabi – a philosophy that encourages one to appreciate the beauty of imperfection ("wabi" meaning simplicity; "sabi" meaning the beauty that comes with age and time).
The height of this folk-art type production occurred under the Ming emperor Tianqi 天啓 (1621 to 1628), whose short-lived reign began with the production breakdown of the official Chinese kilns sparked by the death of the Wanli Emperor in 1620. A surge of Japanese tea ceremony orders placed through the unofficial kilns of Jingdezhen focused on the Japanese aesthetic which coveted the simple and spontaneous appearance of porcelain manufactured using poorly levigated clay, and roughly potted with imperfections such as the prized glaze-faults known as mushikui, or ‘moth eaten’ edges. Ko-sometsuke wares display a delightfully refreshing spontaneity of design that makes them unique in Chinese ceramic history, and this very short period of production (which ended with the reorganization of the official Chinese kilns by the Kangxi Emperor in 1683) resulted in some of the most characterful and inspired porcelain ever created.
Ko-sometsuke, Jingdezhen kiln, Tianqi circa 1621-28
A superb and extremely rare Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kōro (incense burner and cover) modelled in the form of a recumbent Buddhist lion-dog with its mouth agape to exhaust smoke, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue, splashed with fukizumi (blown ink) on the body and seated atop a rectangular plinth decorated with precious lozenges
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi period (1621-1627)
Measurements
10.5 cm long (4.25 inches); 12 cm high (4.75 inches)
A superbly modelled Chinese porcelain blue and white ko-sometsuke kōro (incense burner) modelled as a recumbent Buddhist lion (shishi or foo-dog) splashed with fukizumi (blown-ink technique) on the body, the raised rectangular plinth form base painted on the long side in reverse technique with a flowerhead and scrolling branches on a blue ground, the ends with a precious double lozenge, all between double lines in underglaze blue.
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
With a traditional rosewood Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
Condition
In superb original condition with no restoration under UV light.
Expected glaze flakes, mushikui, natural bubble bursts.
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Ko-sometsuke, Jingdezhen kiln, Tianqi/Chongzhen circa 1621-44
A very rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a Japanese folding screen box, the top of the cover painted with a waterside scene of a solitary scholar atop a rocky outcrop looking towards a lone island in the distance
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi (1621-1627)/Chongzhen (1628-1644)
Measurements
5.5cm long; 3.7cm wide; 5.5cm high
A very rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a Japanese folding screen box, the top of the cover skillfully painted with a calming waterside scene depicting a solitary scholar standing atop a rocky outcrop and looking towards a lone island in the distance. The short sides of the box feature bold paintings of hibiscus flowers; the long sides are decorated with patterned bamboo basket netting and ocean waves. The desirable form of this incense box was ranked eighth in the fourth row of the west in the "Katamono Kogo ranking".
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
With a traditional Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
Condition
In original condition with no restoration under UV light.
Expected minor glaze flakes, mushikui, natural bubble bursts.
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Ko-sometsuke, Jingdezhen kiln, Tianqi/Chongzhen circa 1621-44
A rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke mukozuke dish naturalistically modelled in the form of a maple leaf, painted in underglaze blue with a waterfront scene depicting a solitary pagoda surrounded by rocks and trees in the foreground and a solitary island in the distance, the reverse finely molded with naturalistic veining, raised atop three squat columnar feet
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi (1621-1627)/Chongzhen (1628-1644)
Measurements
15.0cm long (6.9 inches); 4.6cm high (1.6 inches)
A rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke mukozuke dish naturalistically modelled in the form of a maple leaf, painted in underglaze blue with a waterfront scene depicting a solitary pagoda surrounded by rocks and trees in the foreground and a solitary island in the distance, the reverse finely molded with naturalistic veining, raised atop three squat columnar feet showcasing highlights of a pleasing brilliant orange body where the glaze pulled back in the original firing.
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
With a traditional Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
Condition
In original condition with no restoration under UV light.
Expected minor glaze flakes, mushikui, natural bubble bursts throughout.
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Ko-sometsuke, Jingdezhen kiln, TianqiChongzhen circa 1621-44
A rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of square sided box with cushion top, the top of the cover boldly painted with a recumbent ox, the sides patterned with stars
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi (1621-1627)
Measurements
5.5cm long; 3.7cm wide; 5.5cm high
A very rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a Japanese folding screen box, the top of the cover skillfully painted with a calming waterside scene depicting a solitary scholar standing atop a rocky outcrop and looking towards a lone island in the distance. The short sides of the box feature bold paintings of hibiscus flowers; the long sides are decorated with patterned bamboo basket netting and ocean waves. The desirable form of this incense box was ranked eighth in the fourth row of the west in the "Katamono Kogo ranking".
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
With a traditional Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
Condition
In original condition with no restoration under UV light.
Expected minor glaze flakes, mushikui, natural bubble bursts.
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Ko-sometsuke, Jingdezhen kiln, Tianqi circa 1621-27
A superb late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a shrimp, the top of the cover naturalistically painted with a bold and characterful shrimp, the sides showcasing the fukizumi (blown ink) technique
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi (1621-1627)
Measurements
5.5cm long; 3.7cm wide; 5.5cm high
A very rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a Japanese folding screen box, the top of the cover skillfully painted with a calming waterside scene depicting a solitary scholar standing atop a rocky outcrop and looking towards a lone island in the distance. The short sides of the box feature bold paintings of hibiscus flowers; the long sides are decorated with patterned bamboo basket netting and ocean waves. The desirable form of this incense box was ranked eighth in the fourth row of the west in the "Katamono Kogo ranking".
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
With a traditional Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
Condition
In original condition with no restoration under UV light.
Expected minor glaze flakes, mushikui, natural bubble bursts.
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Ko-sometsuke, Jingdezhen kiln, 17th century
A superb late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of two folding hand fans
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi (1621-1627)
Measurements
5.5cm long; 3.7cm wide; 5.5cm high
A very rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a Japanese folding screen box, the top of the cover skillfully painted with a calming waterside scene depicting a solitary scholar standing atop a rocky outcrop and looking towards a lone island in the distance. The short sides of the box feature bold paintings of hibiscus flowers; the long sides are decorated with patterned bamboo basket netting and ocean waves. The desirable form of this incense box was ranked eighth in the fourth row of the west in the "Katamono Kogo ranking".
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
With a traditional Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
Condition
In original condition with no restoration under UV light.
Expected minor glaze flakes, mushikui, natural bubble bursts.
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Ko-sometsuke, Jingdezhen kiln, 17th century
A superb late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a bamboo shoot
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi (1621-1627)
Measurements
5.5cm long; 3.7cm wide; 5.5cm high
A very rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a Japanese folding screen box, the top of the cover skillfully painted with a calming waterside scene depicting a solitary scholar standing atop a rocky outcrop and looking towards a lone island in the distance. The short sides of the box feature bold paintings of hibiscus flowers; the long sides are decorated with patterned bamboo basket netting and ocean waves. The desirable form of this incense box was ranked eighth in the fourth row of the west in the "Katamono Kogo ranking".
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
With a traditional Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
Condition
In original condition with no restoration under UV light.
Expected minor glaze flakes, mushikui, natural bubble bursts.
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Ko-sometsuke, Jingdezhen kiln, Tianqi circa 1621-27
A superb late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a shrimp, the top of the cover naturalistically painted with a bold and characterful shrimp, the sides showcasing the fukizumi (blown ink) technique
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi (1621-1627)
Measurements
5.5cm long; 3.7cm wide; 5.5cm high
A very rare late Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container) in the form of a Japanese folding screen box, the top of the cover skillfully painted with a calming waterside scene depicting a solitary scholar standing atop a rocky outcrop and looking towards a lone island in the distance. The short sides of the box feature bold paintings of hibiscus flowers; the long sides are decorated with patterned bamboo basket netting and ocean waves. The desirable form of this incense box was ranked eighth in the fourth row of the west in the "Katamono Kogo ranking".
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
With a traditional Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
Condition
In original condition with no restoration under UV light.
Expected minor glaze flakes, mushikui, natural bubble bursts.