Cleveland Museum of Art

Teapot with Cherry Blossoms

Seifū Yohei IV

Date

1914–46

Medium

Porcelain with underglaze blue

Culture

Japan, Taishō period (1912–26) or Shōwa period (1926–89)

Department

Japanese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This teapot with mountain cherry blossom motifs has its design in underglaze cobalt blue. It runs over both the pear-shaped body and the recessed lid, with its pointed, jewel-shaped handle. There is a faint bluish-green tint to the glaze. The mark impressed into the base of this work appears to be one used by Yohei III. However, the box inscription is brushed in a hand matching that of Yohei IV, and while the seal on the lid is one often used by Yohei III, that next to the signature on the back of the lid is one generally used by Yohei IV. The signature, too, resembles others belonging to Yohei IV. As the design, technique, and object named on the box accurately describe the contents, it seems unlikely, but not impossible, that it is mismatched. There are many cases in which Yohei III works are contained in boxes with inscriptions, seals, and a signature by Yohei IV. However, in such examples, Yohei IV clearly identifies himself as authenticating the work of his father and often includes his father’s Imperial Household Artist seal. This may be an example of a transitional piece in which Yohei IV has used his father’s mark on the base of his own work. Cherry blossoms mark the arrival of spring, and their short-lived beauty is deeply anticipated and appreciated.

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