This small ovoid jar and cover carries a continuous snow scene of karako (Chinese boys) at play along a snow-covered lakeshore, with thatched buildings and mountains beyond. One boy walks on stilts and others shelter in a resting place. Two roll a snowball, another pair carry a tray of fresh snow, and others build snow figures of Daruma and a courtesan. Bands of geometric motifs circle the shoulder and foot.
The jar has a rare documented history. It was no. 102 in the collection of Michael Tomkinson and appears in his published catalogue, A Japanese Collection (1898). It passed to the consignor by descent. Bonhams gave the Japanese title 薩摩 金彩色絵唐子雪遊図花瓶. Offered at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, London, New Bond Street, on 15 May 2014, lot 464. It realised £52,500 including buyer’s premium, against an estimate of £6,000–£8,000.