A very rare 17th century ko-sometsuke kōgō (incense container box) modelled in the form of two partially folded and overlapping hand-fans, painted in rich tones of underglaze cobalt blue featuring a lakeside scene of a scholar on a rocky shore by a bamboo hut
 
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
17th century
Ko-sometsuke (Old Blue-and-White) made for Japan
 
Measurements 
7.5 cm long (inches);  6.5 cm wide ( inches) ; 3.5 cm high (inches)
 
Description
A Chinese porcelain blue and white ko-sometsuke incense container and cover in the form of two overlapping folding hand fans painted in deep tones of underglaze cobalt blue, the cover featuring a waterscape scene of a solitary scholar on a rocky shore by a bamboo hut.
 
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 condition with minor flaking to the edge.