Vase with incised design of crane and maple leaves

This cylindrical Raku-type vase was procured for Freer by the dealer Matsuki Bunkyo, who enclosed with it a rather lengthy letter in February of 1903. In the letter he refers to several of the vessel's unique characteristics, including the "deep mysterious quality" of the black finish, as well as the height of the vase, which is "unusually tall." Matsuki thought it was "extraordinary," but upon receiving this purchase, Freer noted it as "coarsely modeled." It was falsely signed by the Japanese master Hon'ami Koetsu (1558-1637), and it is now more accurately attributed to the School of Koetsu. Even so, this vessel is considered to be a hanaike, a type of cultural production designated by the Japanese as a National Treasure because of its historical or artistic significance.