Water Container with Figures in Landscape (mizusashi), Tianqi-Chongzhen reigns (1621-1644). Jingdezhen blue-and-white ware. Height 7.7 cm, Diameter of mouth 22.7 cm, Diameter of base 18.0 cm. © Shanghai Museum 

Ko-sometsuke refers to a unique type of blue-and-white porcelain produced in Jingdezhen during the Tianqi and Chongzhen reigns (1621-1644) for the Japanese market. Tea ceremony utensils such as flower vases, water jars, incense boxes, tea bowls, incense burners, and irregularly shaped dishes are the most distinctive wares. A remarkable aspect of Ko-sometsuke is its embrace of imperfections. Flaws such as fritting and deformations only add to its rustic charm in the eyes of the tea masters.