Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 2

Object 20101

Teacup and saucer

Japan

1700-1720

Height of teacup 44 mm (1.73 inch), diameter of rim 74 mm (2.91 inch), diameter of footring 35 mm (1.38 inch), weight 40 grams (1.41 ounce (oz.))

Height of saucer 26 mm (1.02 inch), diameter of rim 120 mm (4.72 inch), diameter of footring 64 mm or (2.52 inch), weight 93 grams (3.28 ounce (oz.))

Teacup and saucer on footrings, slightly everted rims. Imari decorated in underglaze blue with iron-red, and gold with four carps leaping out of a turbulent sea with clouds the sun and two birds in flight. On the sides a border with carps alternating with birds in flight, Around the rim flowering prunus sprays and florets between scrolls. On the reverse two flowering prunus sprays and three concentric bands aound the footring. On the base an old paper collectors label that reads: 'nr 51'. The teacup is decorated en suite.

This leaping carp design was copied from late Chinese Ming objects many times during the 17th century but it is rare on 18th and late 18th century objects. (Finch 1998, p.20, cat. 108)

For a smilarly decorated later 18th century saucer/dish, please see:

The Lost Century, Japanese Arita Porcelain 1720 - 1820 in Britain: Selective Catalogue, (I. Finch, exhibition catalogue Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 1998), pp.20-21, cat. 108.

Condition: Both perfect.

Reference:

Finch 1998, cat. 108

Price: Sold.