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Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1890
Materials: Porcelain and Reed Basketwork
These two pieces were manufactured for Japanese use, with the sides showing the heads of courtesans. “Basketwork” on porcelain developed after 1850 when extremely thin porcelain pieces (called “eggshell porcelain”) gained popularity. For many Western travellers, there was a push to purchase thin porcelain as a status symbol. To protect the pieces, they were often sold with a delicately woven bamboo cover for protection.