Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1

Object 2011285-1

Miniature ewer

Japan

c.1700

Height 52 mm (2.04 inch), diameter 42 mm (1.65 inch), diameter of mouthrim 23 mm (0.91 inch), diameter of footring 26 mm (1.02 inch)

Miniature, pear-shaped ewer on footring, side loop handle and triangular spout set at right angles, Decorated in overglaze iron-red and gold with a flowering chrysanthemum and peony spray flanking a initialled 'O' for the Dutch word olie or oil. On the handle leafy scrolls.

A specific group of ewers is decorated with the letters 'O'', 'A', or 'S' indicating their contents: 'O' stands for olie (oil), 'A' for azijn (vinegar), 'L' for limoen (lemon), the 'S' or 'Z' for soya or zoja (soy). They were used at the dinner table in The Netherlands. (Jörg 2003/1, p.176) Arts adds the letter 'C' for conserven (?) (preserves). (Arts 1983, p.50) This ewer was made following a European glass or silver original and was, most likely, part of a cruet comprising set.

This miniature condiment jug was, most likely, part of a miniature table ware comprising set. It would have been ordered as Japon de commande by special request.

Pardue states that miniature objects like these were most likely part of a larger set for the domestic (i.e., preparing food & serving it) education of children, primarily females. On the other hand, an adult lady could have employed it if she were interested in dolls and miniature things. (Pardue 2008, pp.49-58)

For a similarly decorated miniature dish, most likely a part from the same miniature table ware comprising set, please see:

Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1 - Object 2011285-2.

For a similarly decorated miniature salt and chamber-pot, please see:

Fine & Curious, Japanese export porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.190, cat. 238.

Condition: Perfect.

References:

Arts 1983, Plate 22

Impey 2002, pp.220-221

Jörg 2003/1, cat. 191, 193, 214 & 238

Pardue 2008, pp.49-58

Price: Sold.