Suntory Museum of Art
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Notable Works
Crane-shaped incense container in overglaze enamels

Notable Works

Ceramics

Crane-shaped incense container in overglaze enamels

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Artist: Nonomura Ninsei
Place of production or style: Kyoto
Number of components: 1
Format and materials: Pottery
Dimensions (in cm): W. 3.4, D. 7.7, H. (full) 9.7
Date of production: Edo period Second half of the 17th century

This incense container is in the gracious shape of a Japanese red-crowned crane. In the natural curve of its beak and neck and the gentle swelling of its plumage, the skilled hand of Ninsei has captured the essence of the crane in a magnificently shaped piece. Great care has been exercised even in details such as the point where the nostrils and beak join; the result is a small but magnificent sculpture. The beak and tail are painted in iron pigment over the opaque whitish ground, the feathers in gold, and the crown of the head in red for a muted effect that enhances the nobility of the bird. The interior is glazed in green. The left side of the unglazed base bears a small, unframed, embossed "Ninsei" seal.

Notable Works

Crane-shaped incense container in overglaze enamels

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART