The stemmed food containers are decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e with a stylised diaper pattern inset with plum blossoms; the interiors are of red lacquer, height 8.8cm, diameter 12.8cm.
The 1835 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Japan Closet, Japan in the Glass case opposite the door(s), sic, B.G A pair of covered Bowls.’
The 1867 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Cabinets, No 88 Japan Closet, A pair of black and gold japan bowls with covers.’
