An antique Japanese Karatsu ware tea container or chaire with motif of donkeys painted on the side of the piece. One side is painted in a indigo blue color with a fine tip and on the other side is brown done in thicker lines. The motif of donkeys in Japanese art may infer to the literati taste of a rustic and simple lifestyle. The motif is not often seen in ceramics, but mostly in paintings influenced by Chinese works. Also typically with painted Karatsu (e-Karatsu), motifs of reeds or geometric patterns are used. It is rare to see motifs of animals on a Karatsu piece. Age: late 19th century-20th century. Size: height 3" diameter: 2.75"