Arita Teapot with Stylised Karakusa Motifs, early 18th century

An Arita teapot of ovoid form with applied tubular handle and spout.

The palette range is reserved and simple, exposing the creamy colour of the Arita porcelain. Delicately modelled sprays of flowers, berries and leaves are encrusted across the vessel. The handle transfigures at the top end in a branch-like manner, seamlessly transitioning into the floral work lining the piece. On the body, gilded accents can be found along the bands and on some areas of the leaves, whilst stylised karakusa motifs decorating the handle and spout. The interior of the teapot is left unglazed, revealing attractive speckles created during the firing process.