A very rare 17th century ko-sometsuke kōgō (incense container box) naturalistically modelled in the form of a bamboo shoot, finely decorated in rich tones of underglaze cobalt blue
 
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
17th century
Ko-sometsuke (Old Blue-and-White) made for Japan
 
Measurements 
7.0cm high
 
Description
A highly unusual Chinese porcelain blue and white ko-sometsuke incense container and cover naturalistically modelled in the form of a bamboo shoot boldly and brilliantly decorated in rich tones of underglaze cobalt blue, the base encircled with dots.
 
Ko-Sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the main period of production being the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
 
With a traditional Japanese storage box, inner cloths and ribbon.
 
Condition
In very good original condition with one tiny hairline to the top lip of the base. Kiln grit and sand adhesion to the base rim.