Japanese Imari Kinrande Sake Cups from Edo Period

• Edo Period, Japan - The Edo period in Japan lasted from 1603 to 1868. During this time, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, a military government led by the Tokugawa family. The Edo period is characterized by a period of relative peace, stability, and economic growth, as well as by the development of a distinctive culture and society.
  
  During the Edo period, the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), and the country became increasingly isolated from the rest of the world. The shogunate implemented strict policies to maintain control, including the restriction of foreign trade and travel. However, despite this isolation, the Edo period saw significant cultural and artistic development, including the emergence of the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition, the growth of Kabuki theater, and the flourishing of a vibrant merchant culture.
  
  The Edo period ended with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which saw the collapse of the shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule.
• Kinrande - "Kinrande" is a type of decoration that is often found on Japanese porcelain, especially on pieces that were made during the late Edo period (1603-1868) and the Meiji period (1868-1912). The term "kinrande" literally means "gold brocade," and it refers to a style of decoration that features gold paint or gilding in combination with bright colours.
  
  The kinrande style typically involves the use of a red, blue, or green background colour, which is then decorated with gold motifs such as flowers, birds, or geometric shapes. The gold decoration is applied using a technique known as "moriage," which involves building up the design with layers of raised enamel or slip.
  
  Kinrande decoration is often associated with the Arita region of Japan, which is known for its production of high-quality porcelain. Arita porcelain was first made in the early 17th century, and it quickly became popular both within Japan and for export to other countries. The kinrande style was especially popular during the late 19th century, when Japan began to produce large quantities of porcelain for export to the West. Some of the most valuable pieces are those that feature intricate and detailed gold decoration, as well as those that were made during the Edo or Meiji periods by well-known porcelain artists.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Japanese ceramics, styles and decoration - Imari, other items 43
• oriental objects - Japanese sake pots, bottles and cups 32
• Satsuma (Japan), item type - other items 2,101