Antique Japanese cobalt blue Arita porcelain box (sometsuke)

This antique box, made of Arita porcelain, has a circular shape of great purity, topped with a curved lid with an arched grip. The whole is decorated with an underglaze cobalt blue decoration ( sometsuke ), on a delicately blueish white background.

The sometsuke technique, introduced in Japan in the early 17th century under the influence of Jingdezhen porcelain in China, consists of painting the designs with a brush, using a pigment based on natural cobalt oxide, directly onto the raw porcelain, before applying a transparent glaze. The whole is then fired at a high temperature, revealing the deep blue characteristic of this technique. This process requires great skill, as the brush stroke intensifies and becomes more nuanced during firing, offering subtle variations in tone that can be seen here in the designs.

The Arita kilns were able to develop from this know-how an original style which gave birth to the so-called Ko-Imari porcelain, retrospectively designating the ancient pieces produced in Arita and exported from the port of Imari during the Edo period. The decoration of this box, inspired by this tradition, elegantly takes up the formal codes of the Ko-Imari models.

The surface is punctuated with marumon , decorative circles featuring a variety of traditional motifs: crosses, chevrons, weave patterns, stylized flowers and geometric symbols. The precisely applied cobalt blue reveals slight gradations and a beautiful contrast with the nuanced whiteness of the porcelain.

This type of covered box ( futamono ), with a wide opening, was traditionally used during ceremonial meals ( kaiseki ryōri ) for the careful presentation of delicate dishes or condiments.

The piece is very well preserved, showing discreet traces of use consistent with its age. It is accompanied by its double protective box ( nijūbako ), guaranteeing its precision and authenticity.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS : Handle with care. Rub gently with a soft cloth and a little water if necessary.