Dish from Dishes with Shells

1914–46

Seifū Yohei IV 四代清風与平

(Japanese, 1872–1951)

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Culture

Japan, Taishō period (1912–26)

Medium

One from a set of five dishes; porcelain with blue glaze, iron oxide, and molded design

Measurements

height: 2.5 cm (1 in.); Diameter: 12.1 cm (4 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of James and Christine Heusinger 2022.213.4

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

This set of dishes, mukōzuke, could be used for serving small side dishes at a tea gathering.

Description

Yohei IV chose an aquatic theme for this set of five mukōzuke, side dishes. He added an iron oxide rim and used a concentrated blue glaze on both the interior and exterior. The glaze, named on the box lid, is his father’s “evening moon” (tsukiyoi) color. The conch in relief takes up the entire bottom of the dish. Up the sides are two snails on one end and on the other a scallop. This results in a boldly graphic, less realistic effect.