敷瓦 染付磁器 中国 明時代

This impressive porcelain tray, which features an intricate motif of a curled dragon, was among the furniture used in the tea ceremony in Japan—though the object was made in neighboring China. This ceramic surface would have been placed immediately beneath the outfit that contained the charcoal for heating the kettle, preventing damage to the tatami mats that covered the floor of traditional homes. With four legs, each equipped with four claws, the dragon chases several wish-fulfilling jewels—a motif that was introduced to Japan with Buddhism. The
creature’s movement is so frenzied that it causes bits and pieces of clouds to disperse among the jewels.