An incomplete Arita tiered hexagonal box and cover, early 18th Century.

The cover of this little box, which is 7cm wide, is finely painted in underglaze blue, with a delightful scene of a hare bounding through ferns and grasses. The sides of the box are decorated with a continuous design of variegated diaper patterns, including overlapping arcs (seigaiha), signifying calm water, willows and a bridge. The bridge across a willow-bordered river was one of the most beloved subjects of Edo period (c.1615-1868) art and was particularly popular on painted screens.