Hexagonal incense burner with plum blossoms 17th-18th century

This hexagonal incense burner, created by renowned Japanese potter Ogata Kenzan in the 17th-18th century, showcases the artist's signature brushwork and aesthetic. The piece features a delicate depiction of plum blossoms rendered in black slip on a white ground, a motif that represents resilience and beauty. The simple yet elegant design, typical of Kenzan's work, exemplifies the beauty of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection and transience. The incense burner, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to Kenzan's mastery of ceramics and his enduring contribution to Japanese art.