Tea Caddy (Natsume)

Japan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 199


The surface of the unusual ceramic tea caddy shows fish and crabs behind a fishing net. The net pattern may have been inspired by lacquer tea caddies. Both the technique and the playful design bear resemblances to compositions by Makuzu Kōzan, one of the master potters of the period. Fish, crabs, and lobsters often appear on Moore’s silverwares. Examples include a creamer and sugar bowl designed in 1876 and a rectangular vase made in 1877—both featuring a scene with fish and seaweed—and a chocolate pot from 1879 decorated with a lobster.

Tea Caddy (Natsume), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold, Japan

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Tea Caddy (Natsume), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold, Japan
Tea Caddy (Natsume), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold, Japan
Tea Caddy (Natsume), Stoneware with polychrome overglaze enamels and gold, Japan

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