A Very Unusual Covered Box – Frog Finial-Meiji/Taisho
January 2013 Auction by Far East Asian Art

This most unusual covered box is molded into a clam shell type shape – the top cover and the base each have three gentle curves that fit together like a clam shell. The entire piece (except for the base) is glazed in a gorgeous greenish blue/ aquamarine color that is iridescent. It almost appears to be enamel. The glaze is very carefully controlled to end just short of the bottom of the box – a glazing technique that calls for great virtuosity on the part of the potter...