Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom

Japan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 199

The small incense box was created for use in the tea ceremony. Plum blossoms, associated with the start of spring, are auspicious symbols in Japanese art. Their sweet fragrance had played an important role in incense culture for centuries.

Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan

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1 of 5 side views

Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan
Incense Box (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Plum Blossom, Porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and overglaze gold (Kutani ware), Japan

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