Sold Ceramics - Sold Ko-Sumetsuke wares early 17th century

Object 2011584

Dish

China

1630-1650

Height 30 mm (1.18 inch), diameter of rim 210 mm (8.27 inch), diameter of footring 100 mm (3.94 inch), weight 322 grams (11.36 ounce (oz.))

Ko-sometsuke, literally meaning 'old blue-and-white ware'.

Dish on footring with a flat rim. Some kiln sand adhering to the footring. Decorated in underglaze blue with a figure in a river scene with a pagoda, trees, mountains and clouds, on the rim three river scenes with a figure on a shore looking at a boat. On the reverse three flower sprays.

In Japan porcelain began to be made on a small scale in Kyushu in the early 17th century, the main products being objects used for the tea ceremony. As this custom spread in Japan, the need for these special plates. dishes, bowls and other pieces grew and was partly met by imports of Chinese porcelain, Kraak wares among them. They are called 'Ko-sometsuke', 'old blue and white'. These pieces were most likely produced at the same kilns that made Kraak porcelain, since the bodies of the two types have many characteristics in common, including the mushikui or 'moth-eaten' rims. The way they are painted is also comparable, although the subjects are different. The Japanese liked irregular shapes and non-symmetrical designs which were not confined in panels but spread all over the surface, with or without a border. In addition to blue and white pieces enamelled wares also became fashionable. These are called aka-e, literally 'red painting' by the Japanese. Production of these wares ceased about 1650, due to the civil wars raging in China. (Jörg & Van Campen 1997)

Condition: A firing flaw to the exterior wall and some very shallow 'mushikui' or moth-eaten glaze rough spots to the rim.

References:

Jörg & Van Campen 1997, p.71

Price: Sold.