Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Blue and White wares 18th Century - Tableware and other Porcelain with Western Shapes

Object 2011811

Butter tub

Japan

c.1750

Tub with cover: height 80 mm (3.15 inch), diameter of rim 112 mm (4.41 inch), diameter of base 95 mm (3.74 inch), weight with cover 353 grams (12.45 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 109 grams (3.84 ounce (oz.))

Dish: height 38 mm (1.49 inch), diameter of rim 197 mm (7.76 inch), diameter of biscuit base 135 mm (5.31 inch), weight 431 grams (15.20 ounce (oz.))

Butter tub with matching dish. The round tub on three small pointed feet, the base is unglazed. Two straight square flat handles on either side each with a pierced hole in the middle. Domed lid with knob and openings for the handles. The base of the dish with a broad biscuit band and three similar feet, the recessed centre glazed. Decorated in underglaze blue and gold with a river scene showing a pavilion, a gate and trees on the rocky bank. Near the pavilion two groups of square objects (rocks or racks?). Round the rim of the dish and the sides of the box a border with a diaper pattern in gold and reserved ruyi-shaped and trapezoid panels filled with stylised flowers. The dish is marked with the character ka (a syllable) in underglaze blue. (Jörg 2003/1, pp.180-181, cat. 221)

The shape is ultimately derived from a Dutch butter tub made of wood with reed bands and flat, pierced handles. However, the Japanese potter modelled this piece after a Chinese butter tub of a similar shape. These were made between 1740-60 and usually have no saucer. Several Chinese butter buts of this shape but with a different decoration were found in the wreck of the VOC ship, the Geldermalsen (1752), and are described in the cargo list as 'butter tubs'. The decoration on this piece closely imitates the Chinese model. An identical set was in the Impey collection. (Jorg 1986, p.87, cat. 77). (London 1997, pp.142-143, cat 80).

For identically shaped and decorated butter tubs with matching dishes, please see;

For an identically shaped and decorated butter tub dish, please see;

The Lost Century, Japanese Arita Porcelain 1720 - 1820 in Britain: Selective Catalogue, (I. Finch, exhibition catalogue Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 1998), p.20, cat 100.

Condition:

Tub with cover: A shallow fleabite to the rim of the tub.

Dish: Perfect.

References:

Jörg 1986/1, cat. 77

London 1997, cat. 80

Finch 1998, cat. 101

Jörg 2003/1, cat. 221

Tokyo 2009, cat. 165

Price: Sold.