A rare ko-sometsuke kōgō (incense container box) modelled in the form of a Chinese Yishan-guan hat, decorated in bold cobalt blue stripes to the front and top, with floral embellishments painted onto the two upward-curving wings at the back
 
Ko-sometsuke (Old Blue-and-White) made for Japan
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 17th century
 
Measurements
4.5 cm high; 4.5 cm wide
 
Description
The distinctively shaped Yishan-guan hat was worn by emperors and high-ranking officials throughout the Ming Dynasty. Its unique structure features a flat top with two upward-curving wings at the back, giving it a majestic appearance. The hat was often adorned with intricate patterns and precious stones and was recognized as a symbol of power and prestige.
 
The “Katamono Kogo sumo banzuke” published in 1855 was a ranking list produced by tea ceremony Masters, merchants, and connoisseurs from Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kanazawa. This chart, which rated legendary Kogo (small lidded containers for incense used in tea ceremonies) was the result of a friendly competitive vote amongst connoisseurs. Many of the Kogo on the list were produced in China for export to Japan and are considered today to be amongst the greatest treasures of tea ceremony implements.
 
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 main period of production being 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).
 
Condition
Excellent original unrestored condition. Very minor mushikui to the edges.