Kinrande (Gold painted) flat bowl with fish and seaweed design

Among the kaiseki utensils that can be said to be the origin of Japanese tableware culture, the most prized were imported tableware that was brought to Japan from overseas. Among these,  Kinrande (Gold painted)  tableware made in China during the Ming Dynasty was the most prestigious.

▶︎For more information on “Kinrande,” click here.

High-quality white porcelain and gorgeous red and gold decorations were not possible to produce in Japan at the time, so it is no wonder that so many people admired Kinrande.

This piece is a rectangular mukozuke with rounded corners, known as a "mokkogata" shape.

The horizontal screen is likened to a water basin, with three fish swimming smoothly inside, and aquatic plants floating between them.

The interior utilizes white space, while the inside surface is filled with intricate geometric patterns, creating a striking composition. The branches with red berries painted in the white space on all four sides are also adorable.

The red-painted areas are overlaid with gold in places. It does not look gaudy, but depending on the light, the gold sparkles, creating a fresh and lively effect.

The overall color scheme is well-balanced with accent colors of red, gold, and a touch of green.

This work was formerly part of the collection of the Manno Museum of Art, which was formerly located in Osaka and housed many masterpieces of ancient Oriental art, ranging from hand-painted ukiyo-e prints to tea ceremony utensils and swords.

The old paulownia wood box still has the tag attached to it when it was stored at the Manno Museum of Art.

Works from the former collection of the Manno Museum of Art can sometimes be seen on the market, but they are all masterpieces. This work is also small, but the carefulness and dignity of its execution are striking.

[Responsible for: Mao Otsuka]