The domed lid has a design of floral designs in six reserves and – in the center – the Kanji mark FUKU, meaning good fortune. The sides of the box are decorated with another larger series of floral designs in six reserves. The top was dropped and broken into several pieces scores of years ago and was restored using the gold lacquer technique used to repair treasured pottery items. We have heard these referred to by a Japanese friend as “honorable wrinkles”. Items restored in this manner are highly valued by many serious collectors of early Japanese ceramics.

The box is in very good condition with some small areas of enamel loss – and the gold lacquer restored top. The piece measures 4” high and is 5 ¼” diameter We date the piece to the mid Edo period, circa 1750-1800; quite possibly earlier. There is a paper sticker on the piece that states that the piece was de-accessioned by the Brooklyn Museum.

Kyo-Yaki translates as 'ware from Kyomizu', - Kyomizu is located in Kyoto. The inspiration for this style of pottery comes from the very famous Kyoto potter, Ninsei, who developed the art of overglaze enameling in 17th century Japan. In 17th century, in Kyoto, then Japan's cultural capital, kilns produced lead-glazed pottery like the pottery of southern China. Among them, potter Nonomura Ninsei invented an overglazed enamel method and improved refined Japanese-style design under temple patronage.

This form of pottery originated in Kyoto. Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1869 (except during the Edo period 1603-1869). Traditions and techniques were brought together from all over the Japan. The tea ceremony was established in Kyoto. Kiyomizu pottery was developed with the most refined techniques by many famous potters (Ninsen, Kenzan, Mokubei Aoki, Eiraku Hozen).