Who painted Yeiraku yaki?

Yeiraku yaki was painted by eiraku in 1877.

Where can I see Yeiraku yaki?

Yeiraku yaki is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Yeiraku yaki?

Yeiraku yaki is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Yeiraku yaki

eiraku , 1877

Yeiraku yaki is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist eiraku. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work presents a painted representation of a modest ceramic teapot, distinguished by a long spout and a domed lid.

About this work

Overview

The work presents a painted representation of a modest ceramic teapot, distinguished by a long spout and a domed lid. Its surface is adorned with elaborate gold and white motifs—geometric shapes, floral elements, and foliage—set against a deep brown backdrop. The composition emphasizes the object's materiality and the subtle interplay of illumination across its glossy glaze.

Subject & Meaning

The teapot, a commonplace vessel in Japanese tea culture, is rendered with a focus on its decorative surface, suggesting an appreciation for everyday beauty. The juxtaposition of gold patterning with a muted background highlights the object's elegance while inviting contemplation of the ritual significance of tea service.

Technique & Style

Executed in a hybrid of Impressionistic light handling and Realist detail, the painter captures the reflective qualities of the glaze through nuanced shading. Fine brushwork conveys texture, while a delicate chiaroscuro effect models the form, revealing the artist’s interest in the transient effects of light on ceramic surfaces.

History & Provenance

The piece bears the mark “Yeiraku yaki” and is dated 1877, linking it to the renowned Japanese kiln tradition of that period. It entered the collection in 1905, purchased from Miss Mary Dresser as part of a larger acquisition of similar objects, reflecting early 20th‑century Western interest in Japanese decorative arts.