Incense Box in the Shape of a Folding Fan, Ogata Kenzan

This box, used to hold incense pellets, represents kyoto potters' penchant for replicating luxury items also made in kyoto. Kenzan's signature is cleverly incorporated into the colophon on the fan's face, which bears a chinese poem and a "painting" of a flowering branch. Date: 19th century (Edo). Place of creation: Kyoto, Japan. Dimensions: height: 5.5 cm (2.1 in); width: 7.7 cm (3 in). Medium: earthenware, enamel, iron. Collection: Walters Art Museum. Ogata Kenzan - Incense Box in the Shape of a Folding Fan - Walters 491372 - Open