Kometsuke brush washer and holder, double gourd, Hizen ware, Hirado, Japan

Description

Unusual porcelain bowl in the shape of a double gourd with two connected compartments. The vessel has been modeled as ribbon-tied double gourd formed by short lengths of bamboo and painted on the outside in underglaze cobalt blue with gourds on vines. The smaller section functions as a brush holder and is decorated on top in cobalt with honey rates.
The interior of the brush washer is decorated with a water birds and flowers in cobalt blue.
Hizen ware, Hirado, Japan, 19
th
century
H 3.75 x L 8.5 x D 5.5 in.
Small chip at mouth of brush holder, both tassels of ribbon chipped (one is unprofessionally repaired), otherwise fine condition