Length: 16.5cm.
BJ63
Further images
Of square form, decorated in varying shades of vibrant deep underglaze cobalt -blue, two sides painted with panels, each enclosing a fabulous beast, a playful Buddhist lion with curly mane cavorting with a ribboned brocade ball, the squared loop handle decorated with chimes and spirals, two sides painted with panels enclosing flowers and scrolls, the shoulder with stylised pendant pomegranates the slender spout painted with flowers and stylised flames, the glazed base with a four character mark reading wan fu yu t'ung, translated as, "May you have ten thousand blessings and abundant happiness. within a double square in underglaze blue, the base also with a Sidney L Moss label,
The associated cover, similarly decorated was made in a Japanese Hall to match the rare Ming wine pot" according to old notes and is inscribed to the interior of the cover with Japanese characters reading, 'with the date "11th year of the Meiji reign", which corresponds to the year 1879. inscribed in underglaze blue, see image below. There is an old paper attached saying, Meiji 11th year (1878) made to order by Eiraku ( celebrated potter or son).
Provenance
bought from Sidney L. Moss 8th November 1946
Dr. Henry Potter Stevens
Literature
The fu dog, also called Buddhist lion or fo dog was introduced into China from India as early as the Han period. Important to Buddhism symbolising the Buddha's power and fearless teaching of the Dharma. Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is depicted riding a Buddhist lion to represent the use of wisdom to tame the mind.
Through time in China they also became guardians associated with the power of the Imperial court and as an emblem of valour and energy, they are often found in imposingly large pairs guarding the entrances to important buildings. Over time they morphed into various styles and depicted from fierce to serene to, as seen on our wine pot, playful.
