Ko-Imari Sometsuke Bottle (Tsuzumi & Kumihimo Motifs), Edo Period

Story

Made during the prosperous Kyōhō era, this bottle celebrated performing arts with painted hand drums and braided cords. Scholar Yamashita Sakurō later authenticated and boxed it.

Maker / Origin

Produced by skilled artisans in the kiln networks around Arita, the historic center of Japanese porcelain manufacture under the patronage of the Nabeshima clan. While individual potters remained anonymous, the workshop painters achieved extraordinary fluid precision with cobalt washes.

Condition & Value

The vessel shows a stable body with vivid cobalt coloring and a clean glazed interior. A visible fine line or firing fissure is present on the foot rim, along with slight kiln grit and age patina on the unglazed ring. The black-lacquered stopper and inscribed wooden box survive intact.