mid-19th centuy, Edo period (1615-1868)The vessel glazed in deep blue on the outside and with a blueish-white on the inside. The inside is finely painted with blue cherry blossoms, and a figural tortoise is peeking out over the rim, its head turned to the left. The vessel is likely depicting a bronze censer, and the little tortoise that has escaped from the inside has tipped the censer over with its weight, creating a dent that keeps the vessel in place. The patterns of the shell are finely modelled, and the tortoise has a slightly confused and mischievous expression. Shape: Censer-shaped vase with a flaring rimDimensions: Height 18.6 cm, Diameter 12.6 cmCondition: Good condition, minor imperfections to glazeProvenance: American private collection