Covered Enameled Jar

This tea jar is an example of blue and white porcelain exported to Japan in the 16th century. In underglaze cobalt blue is painted a scene with two figures, mountains, and architectural elements. Japanese overglaze enamels in bright red, green, and yellow embellish the painting. Atop the flat and round lid sits a three dimensional sculpture of a lion painted in both underglaze blue and overglaze red.