Cluster of beni-choko (domed beni container)

Beni was brushed on metallic or ceramic plates (or cups or bowls) or the inside shells and sold this way as lip rouge before the development of lipstick-type lip rouge. Ceramics became the main beni container in the early 17th century and techniques were established to produce the containers, with mass production later possible in Japan. Not only was beni brushed onto small plates, cups, and bowls decorated with painted pictures or dyed patterns, but it was also brushed onto simple plates that were made from a pressed mold and just glazed lightly on the surface.