Artwork preview

Set of Ten Gourd-Shaped Vessels with Reed Design

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ten small, gourd-shaped vessels arranged in two rows on a beige fabric surface. The vessels are tan with a rounded bottom and a narrower top. They have a glossy finish and are decorated with a reed design in blue and black. The reed design on each vessel consists of multiple blue leaves and stems with black accents. The vessels are roughly the same size and shape, but some have slight variations in design. The background is a beige fabric with a visible texture, resembling burlap or canvas. The fabric fills the entire background, with no other objects or features visible. The overall appearance of the vessels and background is simple and minimalist.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Stoneware with overglaze enamels and gold (Kyoto ware)
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
599 × 375 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette