Japanese creamware scent bottle with relief painted decor and French vermeil cap

Creamware scent bottle with a relief painted decor on both sides: one with brown flowers, the other with a flying bird. These bottles were made in Japan for the foreign markets where caps where added: in this case the hinged gold cap is embossed with tiny flowers, probably made in France. The Japanese motif depicts bird and butterfly fluttering among plum blossoms. This design is commonly used in traditional Japanese festivals and celebratory decorations, such as Spring Festival or New Year ornaments. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also embodies people’s aspirations and blessings for a beautiful life. The history of plum blossoms in Japan dates back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty in China, when they were initially brought to Japan by envoys sent to the Tang court. During the Nara period (710-794), plum trees first took root in Dazaifu, Kyushu, and gradually spread throughout Japan. By the Heian period (794-1192), plum blossoms had become highly popular among the aristocratic society and were frequently featured in literary and artistic works, symbolizing nobility and resilience. This pattern frequently appears on kimonos, artworks, and everyday items as decorative motifs or symbols of good fortune.