During the Edo period, tea masters enjoyed incorporating foreign-made objects into their tea ceremony utensils, appreciating the combinations they created. This item is a small piece that was also viewed as a lid rest within that context. Thought to have been made in France or the Netherlands around the 18th century, it features a thick, soft glaze and a simple, somewhat charming painted design. Despite being Western pottery, when held, it surprisingly feels at home in the world of tea ceremony. For reference, the second image includes related materials from the Nezu Museum collection. We hope this will help you understand how foreign ceramics were received in Japan. As shown in the photos, there are some chips and cracks, but these are considered part of the item's history and do not detract from its overall appearance. Rather, the aging process enhances the charm of this piece. Please refer to the last two photos for the dimensions.