ARITA, HIZEN PROVINCE [JAPAN]
Pair of pastille burners in the form of hares
1680 - 1720Porcelain painted in underglaze blue, overglaze enamel colours and gold | 22.0 x 21.5 x 13.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 100967
In China and Japan, hares were said to prepare the elixir of immortality. The theme of longevity is reinforced by the fungi growing on the rocks, which is found on Mount Hōrai, the mystical land of the Immortals.