KANGXI 1662 – 1722 For the Japanese Market
A Rare Kangxi Blue and White Porcelain Chaire (Tea Jar) c.1690, Made For the Japanese Market. Painted with Buddhist Lohan, Arhat, in a Landscape.
SOLD
- Condition
- Very good, a small shallow chip to the underneath of the rim of the cover on the unglazed area c.7 x 4 mm.
- Size
- Height : 6 cm (2 3/8 inches).
- Provenance
- N/A
- Stock number
- 22991
Photos
Information
Chaire / Tea Jar :
A Chaire is essentially a small tea canister used during the Japanese tea ceremony. It was used to store high quality green tea known as koicha. Most Chaire are made of a rough textured pottery which contrasts with a smooth turned ivory cover.
It is extremely rare to find a Chinese porcelain Chaire made for the Japanese market. The subject matter and the Japanese box made for it reinforce the connection with Japan.
Lohan Arhat :
A Lohan is the Chinese word used for a Buddhist Arhat, one who has followed the Eightfold Path and has achieved deliverance of this earthly existence. These holy Buddhist monks attained a form of sainthood through quite but rigorous religious study and good deeds. Most were loyal disciples of the Buddha who were called on to carry the faith abroad. Originally there were 16 Lohan but the Chinese added two during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), however there were as many as 500 lesser Lohan. They are often depicted as having Indian features and are rather indomitable-looking, usually they carry their own specific attribute. Lohans are well-known for their great wisdom, courage and supernatural power. Due to their abilities to ward off the evil, Lohans have became guardian angels of the Buddhist temples.