A white porcelain basin from the Song Dynasty of China fascinates people for generations
Important Cultural Property BASIN, white porcelain with carved lotus design Northern Song dynasty, 11th-12th century Kiln /Ding ware (gift of SUMITOMO Group, the ATAKA Collection) Photo：六田知弘
White porcelain from the Ding kilns, characterized by its ivory-white color and refined look, was favored in the courts of the Song (960-1279) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties. The present piece was one of “three sacred treasures” cherished by antiquities dealer Matsushige Hirota (sobriquet: Fukkosai; 1897-1973). Eiichi Ataka (1901-1994) sought to acquire the piece in a letter, but Fukkosai rejected the request. When Fukkosai later visited Ataka’s reception room at the latter’s invitation, he found the bound letter of refusal displayed in the reception room’s alcove. Ataka, on his knees, bowed deeply and pleaded with him to agree to the request. Finally, the story goes, Fukkosai gave in to the request and let Ataka acquire the white porcelain basin.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| The Power of Osaka | The Power of Art |
| Storage Facilities | The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka |
| Category | High resolution |
