Japanese Samurai Beaker
Merchant
Tashiro Monzaemon
(Japan)
DateMeiji Period (1868-1912)
Object NameBeaker
Mediumeggshell porcelain
ClassificationsCeramics
DimensionsOverall (ABDMS000905.1 Beaker Height x Diameter): 139 × 103mm
Overall (ABDMS000905.1 Beaker Diameter of Base): 60mm
Overall (ABDMS000905.1 Beaker Diameter of Base): 60mm
AcquisitionCaptain J Harvey Loutit Bequest, 1969.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS000905.1
About MeKaolin clay, which was necessary for making hard-paste porcelain, was discovered near Arita, a large city on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Arita soon became the heart of the porcelain industry, and exported wares to Europe from the nearby port town of Imari.
This beaker was made in Arita in Japan by Tashiro Monzaemon, a merchant who commissioned these designs for the export market.
The beaker is made from eggshell porcelain which is very thin and delicate and decorated in polychrome enamels.
The design featuring Samurai warriors depicted in full armour would have been particularly popular with Western collectors at the end of the 19th century, given the passion for all things Japanese at that time.
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Meiji Period, 19th century
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, c.1795
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