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Incense Container in the Shape of a Raccoon Dog

Kōyama Kiyoko

Artwork Details

Incense Container in the Shape of a Raccoon Dog
circa 2000
Kōyama Kiyoko
stoneware with natural ash glaze
2 9/16 in x 1 3/4 in x 1 15/16 in (6.51 cm x 4.45 cm x 4.92 cm)
Gift of the artist
2010/1.217

Description

Subject Matter:

This is an incense container. The artist, Koyama Kyoko, struggled as a female potter in a trade dominated by male artists. She received recognition when she discovered a way to revive the forgotten techinique of natural ash glazes, which are commonly used in her work. The raccoon dog is called Tanuki in Japanese, and is an animal tha toften appears in folktales and legends.

Physical Description:

Incense containter in the shape of a raccoon dog (tanuki). The animal is sitting upright, and the opening of the container is horizontal along a split at its belly button. The incense container is colored white, grayish blue, and reddish orange, with the last color mostly on the stomach of the figure.

Usage Rights:

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