Bonhams New York will auction a rare early-14th-century Japanese Ko-Setoheishi, or flask, as part of its “Fine Japanese & Korean Works of Art” sale on March 18. Seto wares have been produced in a region of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture for 800 years. Early works were glazed with ash and minimally decorated, but technical advancements at end of the 13th century ushered in a new era for Seto ceramics. An iron-based glaze was developed to produce new colors, and artisans began to impress and incise highly detailed patterns on their wares. These pieces were reserved for members of the Japanese elite, from high-ranking military officials to wealthy farmers.
This rare heishi in excellent condition hails from the peak of Seto production during the Kamakura period in the 14th century. Like many Japanese ceramics, it borrows from Chinese symbolism for its design, which features chrysanthemums and plum blossoms. The piece is larger than many heishis of the period, and is, in fact, larger than any currently found in a U.S. museum collection.
*An early-14th-century Ko-Seto heishi (flask), 12" h.; Bonhams, New York, March 18; estimate $225,000 to $300,000; [bonhams.com
](http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22380/lot/3096/)*
