Ko-Sometsuke (two volume set in slipcase with carton box) by Kawahara, Masahiko - 1977

Kyoto Shoin Co., Ltd., Japan, 1977 Book. Very Good. Hardcover. 1st Edition. Japanese and English text.; Hardcover (cloth without dust jacket - as issued) in slipcase with carton box.; 23 x 32 cm; 3.5 Kg; Colour illustrations throughout, each with caption in Japanese and English.; Used with signs of wear on the card box. Minor signs of wear on the hardcover cloth and slipcase.; Interior in very good condition with minor yellowing throughout.; HARD TO FIND.; Two volume set comprising Color Section (217 pages) and Monochrome Section (238 pages).; With texts by the noted ceramic scholar Masahiko Kawahara, this two-volume publication illustrates a vast selection of Ko-sometsuke ('old blue and white') porcelain presented in 934 catalogue entries. A thorough introduction in Japanese and English outlines the most relevant features of this porcelain ware produced in China for the Japanese market during the late Ming dynasty (1368-1644), comprising an overview of Japanese sources and studies on this ware, as well as a definition of its main physical characteristics, production dates and function. One volume includes 169 catalogue entries illustrated in colour, while another volume encompasses 765 entries surveying most of the shapes known. These range from incense containers and burners, to flower pots, water jars, tea cups, tea caddies, bowls, ewers, wine bottles, wine cups, writing implements, containers for hot charcoal, plates, and sets of serving dishes, as well as a small number of unusual figural objects. All catalogue entries are accompanied by captions in Japanese and English providing a short description, measurements, and location in museum or private collections in Japan..