Covered Incense Box 1670

This ceramic covered incense box was created by Nonomura Ninsei in seventeenth-century Japan. Ninsei was a master potter who is credited with bringing a new level of artistry to Kyoto ceramics, and this piece provides a glimpse into the cultural and aesthetic values of the Edo period. The scene that adorns the lid depicts two figures in what appears to be a serene outdoor setting. Their clothing suggests a noble or aristocratic status, reflecting the hierarchical social structure of the time. Incense held a significant place in Japanese society, used in religious ceremonies, tea ceremonies, and to perfume clothing. This box, therefore, was not merely functional; it was a symbol of refinement. The delicate rendering of the figures, along with the natural imagery, evokes a sense of harmony and tranquility. It's a small, intimate object that opens a window onto the lives and rituals of Japan's elite.