Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese wares with Western Designs 1653-1800

Object 2012065

Dish

Japan

Early 18th Century

Height 59 mm (2.32 inch), diameter of mouthrim 341 mm (13.43 inch), diameter of footring 173 mm (6.81 inch), weight 1,462 grams (51.17 ounce (oz.))

Dish on footring, spreading flat rim. On the base five spur-marks in an X-pattern. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, green and gold. In the centre a richly filled flower vase on a shelf with an overhanging cloth, the flowers partly in underglaze blue. On each side a bird looking upwards. The sides with a dark blue ground with a diaper pattern in gold and eight reserved panels alternately filled with a flowerpot or a landscape with a tree and flowering plants. The rim with a lambrequin border with hanging tassels. Gilt edge. The reverse is undecorated.

Jörg states that the border design is the same as that on the armorial porcelains of the Van Buren and Bambeeck families consequently, this dish is dated accordingly. The central decoration was probably copied from a European print or model and it is therefore that part of the flowers have been painted in underglaze blue, which required close cooperation with the enamellers. It is interesting to note, however, that the enamelled flowers have fancy shapes while the tulip-like underglaze blue ones are more realistic. No other examples with this design seem to be recorded, but the Gen'emon Kiln Museum in Arita has a later, less refined imitation with a different border, dated 1730-50, indicating a continuing interest in this decoration. (Jörg 2003/1, p.238, cat.303)

For the only other recorded, identically shaped, sized and decorated, dish, please see:

Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.238, cat. 303.

For the Van Buren Armorial dish with indentically border design, please see:

For the Bambeeck Armorial dish with identically border design, please see:

Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), pp.233-234, cat. 297.

Condition: Firing flaws to the rim and base and a re-stuck piece to the rim.

References:

Jörg 1983, cat. 85

Jörg 1984, cat. 85

Ayers, Impey & Mallet 1990, cat. 231

Jörg 2003/1, cat. 295, 297 & 303

Price: Sold.