A SMALL JAPANESE KOGO (INCENSE BOX AND COVER)

A SMALL JAPANESE KOGO (INCENSE BOX AND COVER)

EDO OR MEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURY

Possibly Seto ware, the small pottery box modelled with Daikoku standing on a hay bale, the God of Good Fortune lifting his mallet over his head to hit a hoju (wish-fulfilling jewel) before him, the underside with a circular mark, a paper label inside reading 'Owari, Masaki 1850', possibly referring to Dr Bunkio Masaki (act. 19th century), 6.8cm. (2)

See the Metropolitan Museum, New York, access. no.93.1.38a,b, for a similar kogo with two figures on the lid by Dr. Bunkio Masaki.