A JAPANESE FOUR-TIER PORCELAIN PICNIC BOX (SAGEJUBAKO)

A JAPANESE FOUR-TIER PORCELAIN PICNIC BOX (SAGEJUBAKO)

MEIJI PERIOD, 19TH OR 20TH CENTURY

Consisting of four stackable trays and a square lid, the sides decorated in underglaze blue with a continuous design of birds perched and flying amongst flowering branches of prunus and peony, the cover with two further birds and a kintsugi gold lacquer repair, 26.8cm overall. (5)

Provenance: from the collection of the late Gas Kimishima, wood-fire potter and specialist in the ancient kilns of Japan, purchased in Japan and thence by descent. Gas established his studio in England and built his own anagama kiln in Tring, Hertfordshire.