Japanese Porcelain

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century

Dishes

Page 2

The knowledge and expertise required to make porcelain was already present in Japan as far back as the early 17th century. According to legend a Korean potter discovered clay suitable for making porcelain near Arita on the island of Kyushu in the south of Japan in around 1605. Porcelain made from this clay, called shoki-Imari, was intended for the foreign market and soon acquired a surprisingly characteristic Japanese style of decoration, first with a blue underglaze decoration and later in enamel colours. The experience of the manufacturers with enamel colours turned out to be of great importance later. (source: Groninger Museum, Groningen) 

When Japanese potters started to make porcelain. It was inspired by underglaze blue porcelain manufactured in kilns of Southern China. By the mid-17th century, Chinese porcelain went into decline due to social unrest and accompanying dynastic change. Dutch merchants, from their base on the small island of Deshima, near Nagasaki, were permitted to trade with Japan. Responding to European demand, the Dutch encouraged the fledgling Japanese porcelain industry to fill the gap left by China.

The porcelain the Dutch brought to Europe in the 17th century was in most cases consciously designed to cater to western tastes. To ensure that they would find a ready market, the Dutch often made wooden or earthenware models of designs and sent those to Japan to be copied. 

Flasks, ewers and large dishes are examples for shapes made for the Dutch. They are painted in underglaze blue or a palette of enamels dominated by red, green and blue with flowers, figures and landscapes which would not follow traditional Japanese aesthetics. Vessels with landscape designs are often inspired by 17th century Chinese Transitional style. Plates decorated with designs organized by panels imitate the successful blue-and-white Chinese Kraak ware. To make these export wares even more attractive for the Dutch clients numbers of early Japanese export wares are painted with a stylized tulip, referring to the tulipomania, the great Dutch craze of the 1630s. (source: Keramiek Museum Princessehof, Leeuwarden)

2011791

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2011791

Dish

Japan, Arita presumably Sarugawa

1670-1690

Height 67 mm (2.64 inch), diameter of rim 369 mm (14.53 inch), diameter of footring 185 mm (7.28 inch), weight 1,867 grams (65.85 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue in the style of Chinese kraak porcelain. In the centre a decoration of two branches with fruit, one with pomegranates the other with finger-lemon fruit also called 'Buddha's-Hand citron' (Citrus medica). The sides divided into panels filled with stylised peonies and precious objects alternating with narrower panels of florets. The reverse is undecorated.

The pomegranate and Buddha's Hand citron (Citrus medica) symbolically represent fertility and happiness, together with the peach (longevity) they are being named 'The three Abundances'. (Arts 1983, p.140)

Although the border division copies kraak porcelain, the decoration of the two large branches filling the centre seems to be based on Chinese prototypes of the later Transitional-early Kangxi period. The Japanese potter combined two styles to create a hybrid, fashionable Japanese novelty. Dishes and plates of this design which were apparently popular, were made in different sizes. (Jörg 2003/1, p.28) 

For identically decorated dishes, please see:

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.54, cat. 8.
• Oriental Ceramics at the Cape of Good Hope 1652-1795. An account of the porcelain trade of the Dutch East India Company with particular reference to ceramics with the V.O.C. monogram, the Cape Market and South African Collections, (C.S. Woodward, Cape Town & Rotterdam, 1974), pp.20-21, cat. 26(b).
• Japanese Porcelain, (S. Jenyns, Faber & Faber, London / Boston, 1979), cat. 16a.
• Pronken met Oosters porselein, exhibition catalogue Gemeente Museum Arnhem, (S. Hartog, Waanders, Zwolle 1990), p.128, cat. 153.
• Mistrovská dĩla Japonského porcelánu / Masterpieces of Japanese Porcelain, (F. Suchomel, Prague 1997), p.77, cat. 25.
• Ceramics crossed overseas. Jingdezhen, Imari and Delft from the Collection of the Groninger Museum, (C.J.A. Jörg et al., Tokyo, 1999), p.30, cat. 27. 
• Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.109, cat. 128.
• Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.332, cat. 2595.
• Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.28, cat. 8.

Condition: Some firing flaws to the front and reverse side.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 8

Woodward 1974, cat. 26(b)

Jenyns 1979, cat. 16a

Arts 1983, p.140

Hartog 1990, cat. 153

Suchomel 1997, cat. 25

Jörg 1999, cat. 27

Impey 2002, cat. 128

Jörg 2003/1, cat. 8

Kyushu 2003, cat. 2595

Price: € 699 Currency Converter

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2012116

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2012116

Dish

Japan, Arita presumably Sarugawa

1670-1690

Provenance: Fa. A.C. Beeling & Zn, Hofleverancier (seller to The Dutch Royal House), Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.

Height 55 mm (2.16 inch), diameter of rim 335 mm (13.19 inch), diameter of footring 171 mm (6.73 inch), weight 1.458 grams (51.43 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, wide flat rim. On the base four spur-marks in a Y-pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue in a Chinese kraak style with in the centre a decoration of two branches with fruit, one with pomegranates and one with finger-lemon fruit also called 'Buddha's-hand citron' (Citrus medica). On the sides and rim large panels filled with stylised peonies and precious objects alternating with narrower panels filled with florets. The reverse is undecorated. To the base an old rectangular paper dealers label that reads: 'Fa. A.C. Beeling & Zn., Hofleverancier (seller to The Dutch Royal House), Leeuwarden, JAPAN, 3e kwart 17e eeuw', and an old rectangular paper label that reads: 'afb.8 Scheurleer 1659 ?'. 

The pomegranate and Buddha's Hand citron (Citrus medica) symbolically represent fertility and happiness, together with the peach (longevity) they are being named 'The three Abundances'. (Arts 1983, p.140)

Fingered citron or Buddha's hand (Citrus medica) (image courtesy of S. Fan)

Although the border division copies kraak porcelain, the decoration of the two large branches filling the centre seems to be based on Chinese prototypes of the later Transitional-early Kangxi period. The Japanese potter combined two styles to create a hybrid, fashionable Japanese novelty. Dishes and plates of this design which were apparently popular, were made in different sizes. (Jörg 2003/1, p.28) 

For identically decorated dishes please see;

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, 64/65, 1971), p.58, cat. 8.
• Oriental Ceramics at the Cape of Good Hope 1652-1795. An account of the porcelain trade of the Dutch East India Company with particular reference to ceramics with the V.O.C. monogram, the Cape Market and South African Collections, (C.S. Woodward, Cape Town & Rotterdam, 1974), pp.20-21, cat. 26(b).
• Japanese Porcelain, (S. Jenyns, Faber & Faber, London / Boston, 1979), cat. 16a.
• Pronken met Oosters porselein, exhibition catalogue Gemeente Museum Arnhem, (S. Hartog, Waanders, Zwolle 1990), p.128, cat. 153.
• Mistrovská dĩla Japonského porcelánu / Masterpieces of Japanese Porcelain, (F. Suchomel, Prague 1997), p.77, cat. 25.
• Ceramics crossed overseas. Jingdezhen, Imari and Delft from the Collection of the Groninger Museum, (C.J.A. Jörg et al., Tokyo, 1999), p.30, cat. 27. 
• Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.109, cat. 128.
• Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.332, cat. 2595.
• Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.28, cat. 8.

On the base two old rectangular paper labels.

Label 1: An old reactangular paper dealer's label that reads:

'Fa. A.C. Beeling & Zn.,

Hofleverancier (seller to The Dutch Royal House) - Leeuwarden

JAPAN

3e kwart 17e eeuw'

Antiquarian A. C. Beeling & Zn was founded in 1886 by A. C. Beeling, son of Johannes Beeling, a master silversmith who had been trading in silver ever since 1864 (Leeuwarder Courant, 03-09-1973). The current A. C. Beeling is the grandson of the founder of the company. His father expanded the business, which at first mostly dealt with clocks and watches, with silver, furniture, china and more (De Telegraaf, 08-10-1993). A. C. Beeling & Zn received its Royal Warrent of Appointment in 1939 (Leeuwarder Nieuwsblad, 04-08-1939). (source: rkd.nl)

Label 2: An old rectangular paper label that reads: 

'afb.8

Scheurleer

1659 ?'. 

The text on this rectangular paper label referes to a similary decorated dish (catalogue number 8) in: 

Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, 64/65, 1971), p.58, cat. 8.  

For a Chinese cream dish, over-decorated in England c.1770-1830, with 'A.C. Beeling & Zn'.dealers label, please see:

• Sold Ceramics - Sold Chinese wares over-decorated in the West 1700-1800 - English over-decorated - Object 2010226.

Condition: Some glaze firing flaws to the central decoration.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 8

Woodward 1974, cat. 26(b)

Jenyns 1979, cat. 16a

Arts 1983, p.140

Hartog 1990, cat. 153

Suchomel 1997, cat. 25

Jörg 1999, cat. 27

Impey 2002, cat. 128

Jörg 2003/1, cat. 8

Kyushu 2003, cat. 2595

Price: € 599 Currency Converter

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2012205

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes

Object 2012205

Dish

Japan, Arita presumably Sarugawa

1670-1690

Height 41 mm (1.61 inch), diameter of rim 225 mm (8.86 inch), diameter of footring 116 mm (4.57 inch), weight 514 grams (18.13 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, flat rim. On the base three spur-marks in a V-pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue in the style of Chinese kraak porcelain. In the centre a decoration of two branches with fruit, one with pomegranates and one with finger-lemon fruit also called 'Buddha's-Hand citron' (Citrus medica). The sides divided into panels filled with stylised peonies and precious objects alternating with narrower panels of florets. The reverse is undecorated.

The pomegranate and Buddha's Hand citron (Citrus medica) symbolically represent fertility and happiness, together with the peach (longevity) they are being named 'The three Abundances'. (Arts 1983, p.140)

Although the border division copies kraak porcelain, the decoration of the two large branches filling the centre seems to be based on Chinese prototypes of the later Transitional-early Kangxi period. The Japanese potter combined two styles to create a hybrid, fashionable Japanese novelty. Dishes and plates of this design which were apparently popular, were made in different sizes. (Jörg 2003/1, p.28) 

For identically decorated dishes, please see:

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.54, cat. 8.
• Oriental Ceramics at the Cape of Good Hope 1652-1795. An account of the porcelain trade of the Dutch East India Company with particular reference to ceramics with the V.O.C. monogram, the Cape Market and South African Collections, (C.S. Woodward, Cape Town & Rotterdam, 1974), pp.20-21, cat. 26(b).
• Japanese Porcelain, (S. Jenyns, Faber & Faber, London / Boston, 1979), cat. 16a.
• Pronken met Oosters porselein, exhibition catalogue Gemeente Museum Arnhem, (S. Hartog, Waanders, Zwolle 1990), p.128, cat. 153.
• Mistrovská dĩla Japonského porcelánu / Masterpieces of Japanese Porcelain, (F. Suchomel, Prague 1997), p.77, cat. 25.
• Ceramics crossed overseas. Jingdezhen, Imari and Delft from the Collection of the Groninger Museum, (C.J.A. Jörg et al., Tokyo, 1999), p.30, cat. 27. 
• Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.109, cat. 128.
• Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.332, cat. 2595.
• Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.28, cat. 8.

Condition: Firing flaws to the front and reverse rim.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 8

Woodward 1974, cat. 26(b)

Jenyns 1979, cat. 16a

Arts 1983, p.140

Hartog 1990, cat. 153

Suchomel 1997, cat. 25

Jörg 1999, cat. 27

Impey 2002, cat. 128

Jörg 2003/1, cat. 8

Kyushu 2003, cat. 2595

Price: € 249 Currency Converter

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2012208, 2012209 and 2012210

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Objects 2012208, 2012209 and 2012210

Three dishes

Japan, Arita

1670-1690

2012208: height 36 mm (1.41 inch), diameter of rim 217 mm (8.54 inch), diameter of footring 110 mm (4.33 inch), weight 388 grams (13.69 ounce (oz.))

2012209: height 33 mm (1.30 inch), diameter of rim 215 mm (8.47 inch), diameter of footring 115 mm (4.52 inch), weight 501 grams (17.67 ounce (oz.))

2012210: height 35 mm (1.38 inch), diameter of rim 216 mm (8.50 inch), diameter of footring 110 mm (4.33 inch), weight 551 grams (14.44 ounce (oz.))

Three dishes on footrings, flat rims. On the bases of two dishes a single spur-mark (one with the cone still attached) and on the base of the third dish three spur-marks in a V-pattern (all three with the cones still attached). Decorated in underglaze blue with a flowerpot in a landscape near a pond filled with flowering plants, a bare branch, rocks and a duck. The duck is observing a bird in flight. The flowerpot is flanked by two small plants. On the sides and rims a large-scale karakusa (spiky lotus) border design with lotus flowerheads. The reverses are undecorated.

In Japan porcelain is being produced since c.1600. Due to the internal conflicts in China during the second half of the 17th century kilns were destroyed, the porcelain production staggered and supply routes were cut off. In order to keep up with the ever-growing demand for porcelain from the homeland the VOC, switched to Decima, Japan. Since 1641 a Dutch trading post was based on this artificial Island in the Bay of Nagasaki. With expanding Japanese production due to Dutch demand the decorative elements, the designs and the more freely way in which they were applied by the porcelain decorators became more Japanese. It marked a clear change from the traditional Japanese interpretation of Chinese kraak designs. The powerful centre design and continuous karakusa scroll (kara means Chinese, kusa means grass) on this specific dish are good examples of that change. (Jörg 2003/1, p.260)

The flowerpot evokes Chinese kraak porcelain where this motif occurs differently. Otherwise the motifs, the composition and the style are decidedly Japanese. The large spiny scroll is given a bold, continuous frame, the centre decoration is made the focus of attention and has more depth than is usual on Chinese kraak porcelain. This dish exemplifies the rapid change in Japanese export porcelain from meticulously imitating Chinese examples towards a more unrestrained, Japanese decorative style. (Jörg 2002/2, p.181, cat. 123)

For identically decorated dishes, please see;

• Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2 - Object 2010936.

• Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2 - Object 2011909.

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.64, cat. 37.
• Aziatische ceramiek uit vijf eeuwen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, exhibition catalogue of the J.M. van Diepen Collection, Fraeylemaborg Slochteren, 1977), pp.86-87, cat. 253.
• H.A. Daendels, Catalogus tentoonstelling Japans blauw wit Porselein. Op Hollandse bestelling en in de Japanse smaak, exhibition catalogue Gemeentelijk Museum Het Princessehof, Leeuwarden 1981. Also Published as Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 101/102, p.42, cat. 29.
• Ko-Imari from the collection of Oliver Impey, (Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 1997), pp. 60-61, cat. 27.
• Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting. Selectie uit de collectie Oosterse keramiek (Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation. A Selection from the Collection of Oriental Ceramics), (C.J.A. Jörg, Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting / Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation, Slochteren 2002, p.181, cat. 123.

Impey illustrates a more evolved version of the same flowerpot design with the karakusa scroll border. The landscape setting of the flowerpot near a lake has changed into the placing on a terrace, the bare branch has evolved into a pine tree and both birds have flown away. For this dish, please see;

• Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.109, cat. 129.

Condition: 

2012208: Some firing flaws to the central decoration.

2012209: An unglazed spot to the reverse and some kiln sand adhering to the inner footring.

2012210: A large, glazed, firing flaw with a frit to the rim and a chip to the inner footring.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 37

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1977, cat. 253

Daendels 1981, cat. 29

London 1997, cat. 27

Impey 2002, cat. 129 & 130

Jörg 2002/2, cat. 123

Jörg 2003/1, p.260

Price: € 499 Currency Converter

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2010936

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2010936

Large dish

Japan

1660-1680

Height 70 mm (2.75 inch), diameter of rim 440 mm (17.32 inch), diameter of footring 222 mm (8.74 inch), weight 2.555 grams (90.13 ounce (oz.))

Large dish on footring, flat rim. On the base five spur-marks in a X-pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with a flowerpot in a landscape near a lake filled with flowering plants, a bare branch, rocks and a duck. The duck is observing a bird in flight. The flowerpot is flanked by two small plants. On the sides and rim a large-scale karakusa (spiky lotus)border design with lotus flowerheads. On the reverse two wide flower sprays.

In Japan porcelain is being produced since c.1600. Due to the internal conflicts in China during the second half of the 17th century kilns were destroyed, the porcelain production staggered and supply routes were cut off. In order to keep up with the ever growing demand for porcelain from the homeland the VOC, switched to Decima, Japan. Since 1641 a Dutch trading post was based on this artificial Island in the Bay of Nagasaki. With expanding Japanese production due to Dutch demand the decorative elements the designs and the more freely way in which they were applied by the porcelain decorators became more Japanese. It marked a clear change from the traditional Japanese interpretation of Chinese kraak designs. The powerful centre design and continuous karakusa scroll (kara means Chinese, kusa means grass) on this specific dish are good examples of that change. (Jörg 2003/1, p.260)

The flowerpot evokes Chinese kraak porcelain where this motif occurs differently. Otherwise the motifs, the composition and the style are decidedly Japanese. The large spiny scroll is given a bold, continuous frame, the centre decoration is made the focus of attention and has more depth than is usual on Chinese kraak porcelain. This dish exemplifies the rapid change in Japanese export porcelain from meticulously imitating Chinese examples towards a more unrestrained, Japanese decorative style. (Jörg 2002/2, p.181, cat. 123)

For identically decorated dishes, please see;

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.64, cat. 37.
• Aziatische ceramiek uit vijf eeuwen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, exhibition catalogue of the J.M. van Diepen Collection, Fraeylemaborg Slochteren, 1977), pp.86-87, cat. 253.
• H.A. Daendels, Catalogus tentoonstelling Japans blauw wit Porselein. Op Hollandse bestelling en in de Japanse smaak, exhibition catalogue Gemeentelijk Museum Het Princessehof, Leeuwarden 1981. Also Published as Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 101/102, p.42, cat. 29.
• Ko-Imari from the collection of Oliver Impey, (Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 1997), pp. 60-61, cat. 27.
• Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting. Selectie uit de collectie Oosterse keramiek (Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation. A Selection from the Collection of Oriental Ceramics), (C.J.A. Jörg, Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting / Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation, Slochteren 2002, p.181, cat. 123.

Impey illustrates a more evolved version of the same flowerpot design with the karakusa scroll border. The landscape setting of the flowerpot near a lake has changed into the placing on a terrace, the bare branch has evolved into a pine tree and both birds have flown away. For this dish, please see;

• Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.109, cat. 129.

Condition: A large hairline to the rim.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 37

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1977, cat. 253

Daendels 1981, cat. 29

London 1997, cat. 27

Impey 2002, cat. 129 & 130

Jörg 2002/2, cat. 123

Jörg 2003/1, p.260

Price: € 1.499 Currency Converter

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2011080

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2011080

Dish

Japan

1670-1700

Height 47 mm (1.85 inch), diameter 272 mm (10.70 inch), diameter of footring 145 mm (5.71 inch), weight 741 grams (26.14 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, flat rim. On the base four spur-marks in a Y-pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with flowering chrysanthemums growing from behind a fence and flowering peonies growing from pierced rockwork enclosed by a triple concentric band. On the rim a border of large-scale karakusa (spiky lotus) design with flowers. The reverse is undecorated.

In Japan porcelain is being produced since c.1600. Due to the internal conflicts in China during the second half of the 17th century kilns were destroyed, the porcelain production staggered and supply routes were cut off. In order to keep up with the ever growing demand for porcelain from the homeland the VOC, switched to Decima, Japan. Since 1641 a Dutch trading post was based on this artificial Island in the Bay of Nagasaki. With expanding Japanese production due to Dutch demand the decorative elements the designs and the more freely way in which they were applied by the porcelain decorators became more Japanese. It marked a clear change from the traditional Japanese interpretation of Chinese kraak designs. The powerful centre design and continuous karakusa scroll (kara means Chinese, kusa means grass) on this specific dish are good examples of that change. (Jörg 2003/1, p.260)

For identically decorated dishes, please see;

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.63, cat. 34.
• Porcelain from the East Indiaman Göthenborg, (B. Wästfelt, B Gyllensvärd & J. Weibull, Wiken, Götheborg 1991), p.59.
• Mistrovská dĩla Japonského porcelánu / Masterpieces of Japanese Porcelain, (F. Suchomel, Prague 1997), p.76, cat. 23.
• Fine & Curious, Japanese export porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.130, cat. 138.

For dishes with identical, karakusa, decorated rims, please see;

• Aziatische ceramiek uit vijf eeuwen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, exhibition catalogue of the J.M. van Diepen Collection, Fraeylemaborg Slochteren, 1977), pp.86-87, cat. 253.
• Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.109, cat. 129.
• Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting. Selectie uit de collectie Oosterse keramiek (Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation. A Selection from the Collection of Oriental Ceramics), (C.J.A. Jörg, Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting / Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation, Slochteren 2002, p.181, cat. 123.

Condition: Two firing flaws to the centre.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 34

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1977, cat. 253

Wästefelt et al. 1991, p.59

Suchomel 1997, cat. 23

Impey 2002, cat. 129

Jörg 2002/2, cat. 123

Jörg 2003/1, p.260 & cat. 138

Price: € 599 Currency Converter

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2011397

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2011397

Dish

Japan

1670-1700

Height 45 mm (1.77 inch), diameter of rim 332 mm (13.07 inch), diameter of footring 164 mm (6.46 inch), weight 1.079 grams (38.06 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, flat rim. On the base a single spur-mark. Decorated in underglaze blue with flowering chrysanthemums growing from behind a fence and flowering peonies growing from pierced rockwork enclosed by a triple concentric band. On the rim a border of large-scale karakusa (spiky lotus) design with flowers. The reverse is undecorated.

In Japan porcelain is being produced since c.1600. Due to the internal conflicts in China during the second half of the 17th century kilns were destroyed, the porcelain production staggered and supply routes were cut off. In order to keep up with the ever growing demand for porcelain from the homeland the VOC, switched to Decima, Japan. Since 1641 a Dutch trading post was based on this artificial Island in the Bay of Nagasaki. With expanding Japanese production due to Dutch demand the decorative elements the designs and the more freely way in which they were applied by the porcelain decorators became more Japanese. It marked a clear change from the traditional Japanese interpretation of Chinese kraak designs. The powerful centre design and continuous karakusa scroll (kara means Chinese, kusa means grass) on this specific dish are good examples of that change. (Jörg 2003/1, p.260)

For identically decorated dishes, please see;

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.63, cat. 34.
• Porcelain from the East Indiaman Göthenborg, (B. Wästfelt, B Gyllensvärd & J. Weibull, Wiken, Götheborg 1991), p.59.
• Mistrovská dĩla Japonského porcelánu / Masterpieces of Japanese Porcelain, (F. Suchomel, Prague 1997), p.76, cat. 23.
• Fine & Curious, Japanese export porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.130, cat. 138.

For dishes with identically karakusa decorated rims, please see;

• Aziatische ceramiek uit vijf eeuwen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, exhibition catalogue of the J.M. van Diepen Collection, Fraeylemaborg Slochteren, 1977), pp.86-87, cat. 253.
• Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.109, cat. 129.
• Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting. Selectie uit de collectie Oosterse keramiek (Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation. A Selection from the Collection of Oriental Ceramics), (C.J.A. Jörg, Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting / Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation, Slochteren 2002), p.181, cat. 123.

Condition: A firing flaw to the exterior wall. Two clumps fine firing crazing to the glaze and one firing hairline to the exterior wall/rim. A shallow chip to the footring.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 34

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1977, cat. 253

Wästefelt et al. 1991, p.59

Suchomel 1997, cat. 23

Impey 2002, cat. 129

Jörg 2002/2, cat. 123

Jörg 2003/1, p.260 & cat. 138

Price: € 799 Currency Converter

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2011589

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2011589

Dish

Japan

1670-1700

Height 60 mm (2.36 inch), diameter of rim 370 mm (14.56 inch), diameter of footring 178 mm (7.01 inch), weight 1,584 grams (55.87 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, flat rim. On the base five spur-marks in a X-pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with flowering chrysanthemums growing from behind a fence and flowering peonies growing from pierced rockwork enclosed by a triple concentric band. On the rim a border of large-scale karakusa (spiky lotus) design with flowers. The reverse is undecorated.

 In Japan porcelain is being produced since c.1600. Due to the internal conflicts in China during the second half of the 17th century kilns were destroyed, the porcelain production staggered and supply routes were cut off. In order to keep up with the ever growing demand for porcelain from the homeland the VOC, switched to Decima, Japan. Since 1641 a Dutch trading post was based on this artificial Island in the Bay of Nagasaki. With expanding Japanese production due to Dutch demand the decorative elements the designs and the more freely way in which they were applied by the porcelain decorators became more Japanese. It marked a clear change from the traditional Japanese interpretation of Chinese kraak designs. The powerful centre design and continuous karakusa scroll (kara means Chinese, kusa means grass) on this specific dish are good examples of that change. (Jörg 2003/1, p.260)

For identically decorated dishes, please see;

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, in, Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.63, cat. 34.
• Porcelain from the East Indiaman Göthenborg, (B. Wästfelt, B Gyllensvärd & J. Weibull, Wiken, Götheborg 1991), p.59.
• Mistrovská dĩla Japonského porcelánu / Masterpieces of Japanese Porcelain, (F. Suchomel, Prague 1997), p.76, cat. 23.
• Fine & Curious, Japanese export porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.130, cat. 138.

For dishes with identically karakusa decorated rims, please see;

• Aziatische ceramiek uit vijf eeuwen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, exhibition catalogue of the J.M. van Diepen Collection, Fraeylemaborg Slochteren, 1977), pp.86-87, cat. 253.
• Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.109, cat. 129.
• Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting. Selectie uit de collectie Oosterse keramiek (Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation. A Selection from the Collection of Oriental Ceramics), (C.J.A. Jörg, Jan Menze van Diepen Stichting / Jan Menze van Diepen Foundation, Slochteren 2002), p.181, cat. 123.

Condition: A firing flaw to the exterior wall and a hairline to the rim.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 34

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1977, cat. 253

Wästefelt et al. 1991, p.59

Suchomel 1997, cat. 23

Impey 2002, cat. 129

Jörg 2002/2, cat. 123

Jörg 2003/1, p. 260 & cat. 138

Price: € 999 Currency Converter

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2011609

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2011609

Dish

Japan

1670-1700

Height 60 mm (2.36 inch), diameter of rim 362 mm (14.25 inch), diameter of footring 164 mm (6.46 inch), weight 1,423 grams (50.20 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, flat rim. Two spur-marks on the base. Decorated in underglaze blue with a flower vase on a fenced terrace filled with a flowering peony plant in a circular cartouche. On the rim a border of large-scale karakusa (spiky lotus) design with flowers. The reverse is undecorated. On the base, in black paint, an old collectors number that reads 'E220'.

On the base, in black paint, an old collectors number that reads 'E220'.

In Japan porcelain is being produced since c.1600. Due to the internal conflicts in China during the second half of the 17th century kilns were destroyed, the porcelain production staggered and supply routes were cut off. In order to keep up with the ever growing demand for porcelain from the homeland the VOC, switched to Decima, Japan. Since 1641 a Dutch trading post was based on this artificial Island in the Bay of Nagasaki. With expanding Japanese production due to Dutch demand the decorative elements the designs and the more freely way in which they were applied by the porcelain decorators became more Japanese. It marked a clear change from the traditional Japanese interpretation of Chinese kraak designs. The powerful centre design and continuous karakusa scroll (kara means Chinese, kusa means grass) on this specific dish are good examples of that change. (Jörg 2003/1, p.260) 

Although the flower vase on a fenced terrace is still reminiscent of those on Chinese kraak porcelain, the style of painting, the composition and in particular the karakusa scroll border design are characteristic of the later 17th-century production when the earlier styles and motifs had been combined into new patterns. (Jörg 2003/1, p.130)

For identically decorated dishes, please see;

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw. (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer in Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.64, cat. 36.
• Ko-Imari from the collection of Oliver Impey, (Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 1997), pp. 60-61, cat. 27.

Condition: Overall fine crazing to the glaze and three hairlines to the rim.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 36

London 1997, cat. 27

Jörg 2003/1, p. 260 & cat. 138

Price: € 599 Currency Converter

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2012488

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2012488

Dish

Japan

1680-1700

Height 33 mm (1.30 inch), diameter of rim 230 mm (9.06 inch), diameter of footring 117 mm (4.61 inch), weight 454 grams (16.01 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, flat rim. On the base four spur-marks in a Y-pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with flowering chrysanthemums and peonies and insects in flight enclosed by a double concentric band. On the rim a continuous border of paired leafy flower heads. The reverse is undecorated.

In Japan porcelain is being produced since c.1600. Due to the internal conflicts in China during the second half of the 17th century kilns were destroyed, the porcelain production staggered and supply routes were cut off. In order to keep up with the ever growing demand for porcelain from the homeland the VOC, switched to Decima, Japan. Since 1641 a Dutch trading post was based on this artificial Island in the Bay of Nagasaki. With expanding Japanese production due to Dutch demand the decorative elements the designs and the more freely way in which they were applied by the porcelain decorators became more Japanese. It marked a clear change from the traditional Japanese interpretation of Chinese kraak designs. The powerful centre design and continuous border with the paired flowerheads on this specific dish are good examples of that change. (Jörg 2003/1, p.260)

An interesting detail, four fingerprints visible in underglaze blue on the reverse rim.

For identically shaped, sized and decorated dishes, please see;

• H.A. Daendels, Catalogus tentoonstelling Japans blauw wit Porselein. Op Hollandse bestelling en in de Japanse smaak, exhibition catalogue Gemeentelijk Museum Het Princessehof, Leeuwarden 1981. Also Published as Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 101/102, p.42, cat. 31.

• Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2 - Object 2012489.

Condition: Perfect.

References:

Daendels 1981, cat. 31 

Jörg 2003/1, p.260

Price: € 399 Currency Converter

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2012499

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes

Object 2012499

Dish

Japan

1690-1720

Height 47 mm (1.85 inch), diameter of rim 320 mm (12.60 inch), diameter of footring 183 mm (7.21 inch), weight 1,578 grams (55.66 ounce (oz.))

Deep dish on footring, spreading sides with a straight rim. On the base five spur-marks in a X-pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue. In the center a flowering peony plant with a cloud in front. On the sides groups of flowering peony and chrysanthemum plants separated by grasses. On the rim a continuous wave-pattern. The reverse with a continuous scroll. On the base the six character "Da Ming Cheng hua nian zhi", Made during the Chenghua reign of the Great Ming dynasty (AD1465-1487) mark in a single circle, underglaze blue. 

The high quality of the painting and the composition on this dish are remarkable. The continuous wave-pattern on the rim causes this dish to be dated around 1690-1720. A similar type of wave-pattern can be found on the rims of dishes decorated with the 'Scheveningen' design. 

For a dish decorated with a similar continuous wave-pattern around the rim, please see:

• Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.241, cat. 307.

Condition: Some firing flaws.

Reference:

Jörg 2003/1, cat. 307

Price: € 899 Currency Converter

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2012156

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2012156

Dish

Japan

1680-1700

Height: 59 mm (2.32 inch), diameter of rim 310 mm (12.20 inch), diameter of footring 160 mm (6.30 inch), weight 1,113 grams (39.26 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, straight rim with a scalloped edge. On the base two spur-marks. Decorated in underglaze blue with a flower basket on a low table on a fenced terrace filled with a flowering peony plant. The sides with a continuous floral scroll pattern. The reverse with a foliate scroll.

In Japan porcelain is being produced since c.1600. Due to the internal conflicts in China during the second half of the 17th century kilns were destroyed, the porcelain production staggered and supply routes were cut off. In order to keep up with the ever-growing demand for porcelain from the homeland the VOC, switched to Decima, Japan. Since 1641 a Dutch trading post was based on this artificial Island in the Bay of Nagasaki. With expanding Japanese production due to Dutch demand the decorative elements, the designs and the more freely way in which they were applied by the porcelain decorators became more Japanese. It marked a clear change from the traditional Japanese interpretation of Chinese kraak designs. The powerful centre design border design on this dish are good examples of that change. (Jörg 2003/1, p.260)

The border design on this dish is usually dated to the late 17th century. (Jörg 2003/1, p.136, cat.145)

For dishes with similarly decorated sides and similarly shaped edges, please see:

• Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw. (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer in Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.61, cat. 29.
• H.A. Daendels, Catalogus tentoonstelling Japans blauw wit Porselein. Op Hollandse bestelling en in de Japanse smaak, exhibition catalogue Gemeentelijk Museum Het Princessehof, Leeuwarden 1981. Also Published as Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 101/102, p.44, cat. 38.
• The Wrestling Boys. Chinese and Japanese Ceramics from the 16th to the 18th Century in the Collection at Burghley House, (The Trustees of Burghley House, Stamford 1981), p.1, cat. 2.
• Hizen wares abroad, The 10th anniversary special exhibition, (Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu, 1990), p.42, cat. 41 and p.43, cat. 42.
• The Shibata Collection Part I, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu, 1990), p.144, cat. 367.
• Ko-Imari from the collection of Oliver Impey, (Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 1997), pp. 118-119, cat. 62.
• Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), pp.136-137, cat. 145, 146 & 147.
• Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.298, cat. 2321.

Object 2011805 a similarly decorated dish with the typical Chinese Kraak style panelled border.

Condition: A firing flaw, two frits and three chips to the rim.

References:

Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 29

Daendels 1981, cat. 38

Stamford 1981, cat. 50

Kyushu 1990/1, cat. 367 

London 1997, cat. 62

Jörg 2003/1, p.136 & p.260, cat. 145, 146 & 147

Kyushu 2003, cat. 2321

Price: € 499 Currency Converter

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2012362

Japanese Blue and White wares 17th Century - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2012362

Dish

Japan

c.1700

Height 28 mm (1.10 inch), diameter of rim 206 mm (8.11 inch), diameter of footring 118 mm (4.65 inch), weight 351 grams (12.38 ounce (oz.))

Moulded dish on footring, scalloped rim. On the base three spur-marks. Decorated in underglaze blue with a bird perched on a branch in a marshy landscape with rocks, plants, clouds and an insect in flight. On the sides and rim eight blank panels moulded in low relief, each impressed with a stylised plant. On the reverse three concentric lines one near and two on the footring. On the base a square mark in a single concentric band.

The first characteristic of moulded Japanese objects follows a tradition set by the Japanese makers of blue and white Kakiemon style porcelains in the 17th century. This tradition was for high quality moulding and other complex treatments of rims and borders, sometimes also with other moulding in low relief. The second characteristic is that it uses Late Ming (and sometimes earlier) styles, grids and motifs. These items of design were presumably taken from carefully treasured heirloom pieces imported into Japan about 1620 when the Japanese first made porcelain. Panelled Kraak designs may have been provided by the Dutch to be copied. 

The use of drawings in the coarse bold 'free' Chinese late Kraak style shown had already been extensively used for the West during the Great Export Period on many but not all of the copies of panelled Kraak style wares. It proved to be a long lasting favourite in Japan. New carefully moulded borders were added however, making a strong contrast. Some of the new borders in perhaps the second quarter of the 18th century had a celadon glaze. Dating of some of these pieces is however still controversial. Some in the second half of the 18th century had borders with low relief designs and patterns. (Finch 1998, pp.14-15, cat. 73 & 74) 

For dishes with moulded borders in low relief please see:

• Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Blue and White wares 18th Century - Other wares - Page 1 - Object 2011918.

• The Lost Century, Japanese Arita Porcelain 1720 - 1820 in Britain: Selective Catalogue, (I. Finch, exhibition catalogue Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 1998), p.15, cat 73 & 74.
• Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.421, cat. 3306

Condition: A firing flaw and some tiny firing tension glaze hairlines, caused by the firing process, to the reverse rim. A hairline to the rim.

References:

Finch 1998, cat. 73 & 74

Kyushu 2003, cat. 3306 & 3307

Price: € 449 Currency Converter

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