Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons

Workshop of Nonomura Ninsei Japanese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 227

Nonomura Ninsei (active ca. 1646–94), the best-known Kyoto ceramicist, perfected the use of overglaze enamels—like those decorating the surface of this incense burner, which may originally have functioned as a handwarmer. Nonomura established his kiln in 1647. He made his name through excellent throwing skills and colorful designs favored by the elite. This work is embellished with flowering plum, cherry, chrysanthemum, and bamboo to capture the four seasons.

Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons, Workshop of Nonomura Ninsei (Japanese, active ca. 1646–94), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold; openwork gilt-bronze cover (Kyoto ware), Japan

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Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons, Workshop of Nonomura Ninsei (Japanese, active ca. 1646–94), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold; openwork gilt-bronze cover (Kyoto ware), Japan
Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons, Workshop of Nonomura Ninsei (Japanese, active ca. 1646–94), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold; openwork gilt-bronze cover (Kyoto ware), Japan
Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons, Workshop of Nonomura Ninsei (Japanese, active ca. 1646–94), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold; openwork gilt-bronze cover (Kyoto ware), Japan
Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons, Workshop of Nonomura Ninsei (Japanese, active ca. 1646–94), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold; openwork gilt-bronze cover (Kyoto ware), Japan
Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons, Workshop of Nonomura Ninsei (Japanese, active ca. 1646–94), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold; openwork gilt-bronze cover (Kyoto ware), Japan
Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons, Workshop of Nonomura Ninsei (Japanese, active ca. 1646–94), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold; openwork gilt-bronze cover (Kyoto ware), Japan

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