Gourd-shaped saké ewer with grapevine and bird design, overglaze enamels

This saké ewer is modeled on a gourd, with a braided cord handle added. The braiding is drawn in underglaze blue, while grapevines growing and fruiting and birds in flight are in red, green, and blue overglaze enamels. Triangular motifs in red and green surround the spout. A grape leaf covers the end of the cord, which encircles the gourd, and another leaf on the top serves as the lid. Both gourds and grapevines imply endurance, since they produce long vines that twine vigorously, and fertility, since they produce copious fruit. Their combination thus symbolizes continuing prosperity through the generations. Of surviving examples, this piece is in particularly good condition, with the leaf-shaped lid intact, and its cheerful hues make it a very attractive and approachable work.