An extremely rare Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke kogo (incense container box and cover) in the form of a roosting chicken, the features and feathers drawn in underglaze cobalt blue in a loosely flowing and artistic manner full of character
 
Ko-sometsuke (Old Blue-and-White) made for Japan
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 17th century
Tianqi period (1621-1627) 
 
Measurements
6.0 cm long; 3.3 cm wide; 5.0 cm high
 
Description
Naturalistically modelled as a characterful roosting hen, loosely painted in underglaze cobalt blue with stylized feathers and features, perched atop an oval base with flat and partially glazed underside.
 
A nearly identical example illustrated in Masahiko Kawahara Ko-sometsuke (Kyoto Shoin Co Ltd, Japan) 1977, image 111.
 
Similarly-modelled chicken incense containers were well ranked in the Katamono-Kogo Banzuke (incense container ranking list published in 1855 - see details below).
 
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
In excellent original condition with no restoration. Very minor areas of mushikui to the edges. Firing sparks from the kiln. Partially glazed base.
 
Storage
With a traditional Japanese paulownia wood storage box and silk ribbon.