Square Jar with Birds in a Flowering Landscape, late 1600s. This type of square jar decorated with birds in a landscape is a common category of Kakiemon ware. It was likely paired with a complementary yet nonidentical mate. The pine tree, plum, and bamboo together form the frequently depicted motif known as the Three Friends of Winter (shochikubai), so named because of their hardy perseverance in the cold.

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Size: 5312px × 7136px
Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1615-1868, 17th, art, century, ceramic, cleveland, colour, edo, enamels, gold, heritage, hizen, japan, kakiemon, late, museum, overglaze, period, porcelain, type, unknown, ware