Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Page 1
Object 2011363
Dish
Japan
1710-1730
Height 30 mm (1.65 inch), diameter of rim 255 mm (10.98 inch), diameter of footring 141 mm (6.02 inch), weight 555 grams (19.58 ounce (oz.))
Dish on footring, flat rim. On the base four spur-marks in a Y-pattern. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold with flowering Fringed pink (nadeshiko) plants in a central roundel, surrounded by three flowering camellia (tsubaki) plants and serrated leaves in underglaze blue, gold and pink-wash. On the cavetto three underglaze blue cartouches filled with a florets between scrolls in gold alternating with iron-red and gold florets between scrolls. On the rim the following six groups of flowering plants;
- Fringed pink (nadeshiko), the Fringed pink (or large pink nadeshiko) blooms towards the end of summer, and as an early harbinger of the season is one of the Seven Flowers of Autumn. This flower is used in Japanese poetry as a poetic appellation for a woman.
- Lotus (hasu), the close connection of the lotus with Buddhism has led to its being associated with death in the minds of the Japanese and it is not very often used as a decorative motif on Japanese porcelain.
- Peony (botan), the peony plant was probably introduced into Japan in the 8th century from China and has appeared as a motif on Japanese decorative arts ever since. As in China, in Japan, it is a symbol of high position and wealth.
- Prunus mume (ume), in Japan the blossoms of the prunus mume primarily heralds the coming of spring, and is also used in art and literature to evoke the feel of the cold of winter loosening its grip.
- Chrysanthemum (kiku), in Japanese culture, like many autumn motifs, the chrysanthemum evokes feelings of melancholy.
- Cherry (sakura), in Japan the cherry blossom, along with the chrysanthemum, are regarded as the most important flowers. It is because of its immaculate, pure white blossom that the cherry is esteemed so much in Japan. The cherry blossom is emblematic of purity of life and of the samurai spirit. This is derived from the fact that the petals of the cherry blossom leave their calix when still fresh, and twirling in the air, as if dancing and unmindful of their approaching end, show gaity and merriment before touching the ground, that will be their grave. Thus unlike all other flowers, whose petals cling to their calix until they shrivel and rot, as if its afraid to die, the cherry shows beauty to people. Similarly it may be said of the samurai, who when still in full vigour, was always ready to give his life for a good cause.
(Arts 1983, pp.136-153), (Fitski 2001, pp.148-154)
Between all flowers dense leafy scrolls in gold. On the reverse three sprays flowering prunus. Round the footring three concentric bands. On the base a single concentric band.
The abundance of different types of flowers on this one dish is very striking and rarely seen.
Condition: Perfect, wear to the iron-red and golden decoration. The glaze heavily crackled.
References:
Price: € 399 Currency Converter
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