Chapter 25 Fireflies, from the series Genji Incense Pictures

Utagawa Kunisada, Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi

Edo period (1615-1868), 1843-1847

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Bowl with vegetal sprays, chrysanthemums, and lappets painted in underglaze-blue cobalt-oxide, brown wash on base.
White jade with yellow markings
Detached album leaf
This jar was made in two halves, as evidenced from the groove in the center where the two pieces were joined. The jar was then decorated with a freely drawn dragon then fired. The numerous imperfections in the clay body are typical of 17th century pieces and in the Korean mind give character to each jar. Likewise, the brown painting displays subtle gradations and variations in texture that enliven the picture of the dragon.