Sold Ceramics
Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century
Page 1
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 2011262
Saucer
Japan
1690-1730
Height 28 mm (1.10 inch), diameter of rim 122 mm (4.80 inch), diameter of footring 52 mm (2.05 inch), weight 90 grams (3.17 ounce (oz.))
Saucer on footring, spreading sides. Imari decorated in, iron-red and yellow, aubergine, green, grey, black enamels and gold with four kneeled figures on a terrace drinking tea in a ''Chinese style', which did not require a saucer for the cup, in a central roundel. On the sides and rim leafy scroll borders with peony, carnation and chrysanthemum flower heads. The reverse is undecorated.
Decorations executed entirely in enamel colours can be classed among the early Imari group, this type of 'tea ceremony' decoration must have had an exotic appeal to the Western buyer. Although no underglaze-blue was used in this type of decoration both O. Impey and C.J.A. Jörg categorise this 'in enamels only' type of decoration as Imari. (Jörg 1995, pp.115-116)
Four identically shaped, sized and decorated saucers, all found in England, are in an English private collection.
For an identically decorated saucer, please see;
- Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.357, cat 2793.
- The collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Museum number: FE.69-1970.
For similarly decorated objects, please see;
- Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.218, cat. 373 & 374.
- Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.199, cat. 253.
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 2012429
Tea bowl
Japan
1690-1730
Height 43 mm (1.69 inch), diameter of rim 74 mm (2.91 inch), diameter of footring 32 mm (1.26 inch), weight 43 grams (1.52 ounce (oz.))
Tea bowl on footring, spreading sides with a slightly everted rim. Imari decorated in, iron-red and yellow, aubergine, green, grey, black enamels and gold with three kneeled figures on a terrace drinking tea in a ''Chinese style', which did not require a saucer for the cup, in a central roundel flanked by flowering peony, carnation and chrysanthemum On the bottom a single carnation flower spray.
Decorations executed entirely in enamel colours can be classed among the early Imari group, this type of 'tea ceremony' decoration must have had an exotic appeal to the Western buyer. Although no underglaze-blue was used in this type of decoration both O. Impey and C.J.A. Jörg categorise this 'in enamels only' type of decoration as Imari. (Jörg 1995, pp.115-116)
Four identically shaped, sized and decorated saucers, all found in England, are in an English private collection.
An earlier sold saucer object 2011262, the matching saucer to tea bowl 20121429.
For an identically decorated saucer, please see;
- Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.357, cat 2793.
- The collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Museum number: FE.69-1970.
For similarly decorated objects, please see;
- Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.218, cat. 373 & 374.
- Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.199, cat. 253.
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Price: Sold.
More pictures of object 2012430, another identically, shaped, sized and decorated, sold, tea bowl >>
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 2012354
Teacup
Japan
1690-1730
Height 44 mm (1.73 inch), diameter of rim 75 mm (2.95 inch), diameter of footring 32 mm (1.26 inch), weight 57 grams (2.01 ounce (oz.))
Bowl on footring, spreading sides with a slightly everted rim. Decorated in iron-red, green, yellow and black enamel and gold with four peony flower sprays. On the bottom a single peony flower spray in a single. iron-red concentric band. The inner rim with a border of x's alternating with dots in gold.
The absence of underglaze blue, may or may not follow kiln practice. Evidence from potsherds at kiln-sites does not suggest that some kilns made either the one or the other, rather that all kilns seem to have made both. On the other hand, there is a tendency in most examples for those pieces without underglaze blue to be more finely decorated and to bear more refined enamels; this may mean that they were emulating the Kakiemon, and therefore it seems more likely that this would have been the practice of some kilns and not others. (Impey 2002, pp.191)
For an identically shaped, sized and decorated tea cup and saucer please see:
- The Shibata Collection Part V, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu, 1997), p.146, cat. 207.
- The Voyage of Old-Imari Porcelains, (Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Arita 2000), p.57, cat. 88.
For other similarly decorated objects please see:
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Impey 2002, p.191 & pp.195-195
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 2012407
Teacup and saucer
Japan
Late 17th century
Height of teacup 41 mm (1.61 inch), diameter of rim 75 mm (2.95 inch), diameter of footring 33 mm (1.29 inch), weight 60 gram (2.11 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 25 mm (0.98 inch), diameter of rim 123 mm (4.84 inch), diameter of footring 72 mm (2.83 inch), weight 104 gram (3.67 ounce (oz.))
Teacup and saucer on footrings, straight rims. Decorated in iron-red, green, black and aubergine enamels and gold with a central roundel filled with a flower spray surrounded by grass motifs. On the cavetto three weeping cherry trees with dense flowers and foliage. Round the rim a border with x's. On the reverse rim a continuous floral scroll with an arrow floret on the base. The teacup is decorated en suite.
A similar teacup and saucer, bearing the Dresden inventory number N=93 with an arrow, is in the British Museum ((BM 1099) (Impey 2002, p.195, cat. 313)
For an identically shaped, sized and decorated teacup and saucer, please see:
Condition:
Teacup: A hairline and frit to the rim.
Saucer: Two chips to the rim, one with a connected hairline.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Objects 2011636 and 2011637
Two teacups and saucers
Japan
c.1700
2011636
Height of teacup 37 mm (1.46 inch), diameter of rim 61 mm (2.40 inch), diameter of footring 25 mm (0.98 inch), weight 33 gram (1.16 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 20 mm (0.79 inch), diameter of rim 102 mm (4.02 inch), diameter of footring 48 mm or (1.89 inch), weights 57 gram (2.01 ounce (oz.))
2011637
Height of teacup 38 mm (1.50 inch), diameter of rim 58 mm (2.38 inch), diameter of footring 25 mm (0.98 inch), weight 35 gram (1.23 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 20 mm (0.79 inch), diameter of rim 102 mm (4.02 inch), diameter of footring 48 mm or (1.89 inch), weights 55 gram (1.94 ounce (oz.))
Published: Have a Cup of Tea. Chinese Porcelain and Tea in North-West Germany, (Exhibition catalogue, Isensee Verlag, Oldenburg, 2015), p.14, Fig. 4 / Made in China, Porzellan und Teekultur im Nordwesten, (Exhibition catalogue, Isensee Verlag, Oldenburg, 2015), p.14, Fig. 4.
Exhibited: Have a Cup of Tea. Chinese Porcelain and Tea in North-West Germany held from 22 March to 25 August 2015 at the Ostfriesisches Landesmuseum Emden Germany / 'Made in China. Porzellan und Teekultur im Nordwesten' held from 22 March to 23 August 2015 at the Ostfriesisches Landesmuseum Emden Germany.
(Reproduced from: Have a Cup of Tea. Chinese Porcelain and Tea in North-West Germany, (Exhibition catalogue, Isensee Verlag, Oldenburg, 2015), p.14, Fig. 4, copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by the publisher or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved)
Two teacups and saucers on footrings, flared straight sides with slightly everted rims. Decorated in underglaze blue with a single flowering peony spray in a central roundel surrounded by three flowering lotus plants with dense leafy scrolls. The reverses are undecorated. The teacups decorated en suite.
Teacups and saucers were especially developed for export, as Chinese and Japanese teacups did not have saucers. They were probably inspired by earlier Turkish and Islamic examples. VOC- records show that the Japanese made teacups and matching saucers from the very beginning of the export trade.
Jörg mentions that there are very few examples in Dutch collections of Arita tea wares in underglaze blue, they are quite rare. One of the reasons probably is that Japanese potters couldn’t compete with the much cheaper Chinese tea wares.
One of the best known examples of Japanese Arita tea ware are the teacups and saucers decorated with the coat of arms of the Dutch family Huydecoper. Another equally rare set of teacups and saucers, with a more stylized decoration of scrolling vine with birds, is in the collection at the Japanese replica of Huis Ten Bosch, near Nagasaki, dated 1670-90. More interesting for comparison however are some tea cups found during excavations in Amsterdam, dated 1660-80, with an identical decoration. The later date of c.1700 of our set is mainly based on the clear inspiration by later Chinese Kangxi flower scrolls. (Arita 2000, p. 57 cat. 87), (Jörg 2003/1,pp. 191-192 & p.231, cat. 293)
For Arita teacups and saucers decorated in underglaze blue with identical decoration, please see:
For other Arita teacups and saucers decorated in underglaze blue, please see:
- Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw. (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer in Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.114, cat. 190.
- Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.231 cat.293.
- The Voyage of Old-Imari Porcelains: Exhibition Catalogue of the Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Arita 2000, p.57, cat.87.
Condition:
2011636
Teacup: Perfect
Saucer: Perfect.
2011637
Teacup: A fleabite to the rim.
Saucer: Perfect.
References:
Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 190
Arita 2000, p.57, cat. 87, p.122, cat. 252 & 253 & pp.212-213, cat. 16a/b
Donated to the collection Oriental ceramics of the Groninger Museum.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 2011387
Six teacups and five saucers
Japan
c.1700
Height of teacups 44 mm (1.73 inch), diameter of rims 74 mm (2.91 inch), diameter of footrings 35 mm (1.38 inch), weights 45/44/46/48/53/47 grams (1.59/1.55/1.62/1.87/1.66 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucers 26 mm (1.02 inch), diameter of rims 120 mm (4.72 inch), diameter of footrings 64 mm (2.52 inch), weights 101/82/95/108 grams (3.56/2.89/3.35/3.81 ounce (oz.))
Six teacups and five saucers on footrings, spreading sides with short flat rims. Decorated in underglaze blue with an unusual combination of overglaze enamels, iron-red, and gold with a flowering prunus spray in a central roundel surrounded by three clusters of flowering prunus, peony and bamboo plants. On the interior rim a zig-zag lines patterm border. On the exterior walls three flowering stems and on the bases a single flowering stem. The teacups are decorated en suite.
In the centre of the saucer a flowering prunus branch encircled by a double, concentric band. On the interior wall a continuous decoration of prunus, peony and bamboo. .
The decoration with prunus, pine and bamboo is also known as the 'Three Friends of Cold Winter'. The beauty of the flowers and the short blossoming season symbolise moral purity and transient female beauty. (Ströber 2011, p.130)
Condition:
Teacups: Some wear to the enamels.
Saucers: Some wear to the enamels.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
More pictures of object 2011387 >>
Not illustrated the objects 2011388 - 2011392, five other identically shaped, sized and decorated, sold teacups and four saucers.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Objects 2012243 & 2012244
Two coffee pots
Japan
1700-1720
Object 2012243:
Height with cover 295 mm (11.61 inch), height without cover 265 mm (10.43 inch), diameter handle to spout 225 mm (8.86 inch), diameter of mouthrim 76 mm (2.99 inch), diameter of footring 145 mm (5.71 inch), weight with cover 1,827 grams (64.45 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 68 grams (2.40 ounce (oz.))
Object 2012244:
Height with cover 295 mm (11.61 inch), height without cover 261 mm (10.28 inch), diameter handle to spout 225 mm (8.86 inch), diameter of mouthrim 78 mm (3.07 inch), diameter of footring 150 mm (5.91 inch), weight with cover 1,643 grams (57.96 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 85 grams (3.00 ounce (oz.))
Two coffee pots of conical shape on footrings with glazed bases. Curved, flat pieced handles, domed covers with pointed knobs and loop rings (intended for chains between the top of the handles and the loop rings on the covers). The holes for the mounted Dutch brass taps in the lower parts are surrounded by squares in low relief. Decorated in underglaze blue with two large phoenixes or pheasants perched on rocks, flowering peonies and chrysanthemums. On the handle karakusa scrolls. The covers are decorated en suite.
As was the case with tea, it was not until the end of the 17th century that drinking coffee became popular in Europe, each town had his own coffee house, where everyone - which in fact meant mainly men - could enjoy drinking a cup of coffee. The Dutch East India Company, (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC), started off mainly importing coffee from Yemen, experimenting only later with plantations of their own in Java.
However, drinking coffee had for centuries already been a common practice in the Middle East. European coffee pots were therefore often modelled after Islamic copper examples. Two types of coffee pots were most frequently commissioned in Asian porcelain: conical and belly shaped. The conical shaped pot originally came from Japan. After brewed coffee was poured into this luxurious porcelain pot, it was held warm on a stand and subsequently served through a metal tap which had later been added to the pot after it had been imported to the Netherlands. At the bottom of the pot the coffee grounds were collected. Coffee pots from China, where both types were made, don't feature a tap but a spout. (The World at Home, exhibition Groninger Museum 17 june 2017 - 31 march 2019)
The utensils necessary for consuming tea and coffee developed in parallel with their increasing popularity. Dutch Copper coffee pots of conical shape are known in the late 17th centurY, and there were also silver examples. A double-walled copper coffee pot probably made for the the Netherlands Dutch confirms its use. The Arita porcelain copies will have been made from a similar model. Some have three feet, other none. The feet eliminate the disadvantage of an uneven base: pots without feet were apparently put on a brazier or stand (added in Europe), or were mounted. The loop ring had a silver chain fixed to the hole in the handle to prevent the cover from falling off. An octagonal variety with spout is known in Chine de commande., but otherwise the shape is not represented in Chinese export porcelain. This underglaze blue version is quite common, indicating a widespread use of these Japanese pots. (Jörg 2003/1, p. 204, cat. 261)
Coffee pots, usually three-legged, are common in blue-and-white and in enamelled Imari. usually there is one hole left for a tap to be fitted in Europe, occasionally there are three. (Ayers, Impey & Mallet 1990, p.213)
For identically shaped, sized and decorated coffee pots, please see;
- Japans porselein met blauwe decoraties uit de tweede helft van de zeventiende en de eerste helft van de achttiende eeuw. (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer in Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 64/65, 1971), p.89, cat. 113 & cat. 114.
- Chinesisches und japanisches Porzellan in europäischen Fassungen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Verlag Klinkhardt & Biermann, Braunschweig,1980), p.398, Abb. 429a.
- Eastern Ceramics and other works of art from the collection of Gerald Reitlinger, (Ashmolean Museum, Oxford 1981), p.94, cat 262.
- Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.106, cat. 121.
- Four Centuries of Blue & White. The Frelinghuysen Collection of Chinese And Japanese Export Porcelain, (B. MacGuire, Ad Ilissum / Paul Holberton Publishing, Chicago, 2023), p.405, cat. 489.
For identically shaped, sized and decorated coffee pots on three feet, please see;
- Chinesisches und japanisches Porzellan in europäischen Fassungen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Verlag Klinkhardt & Biermann, Braunschweig,1980), p.399, Abb. 430 & 432.
- H.A. Daendels, Catalogus tentoonstelling Japans blauw wit Porselein. Op Hollandse bestelling en in de Japanse smaak, exhibition catalogue Gemeentelijk Museum Het Princessehof, Leeuwarden 1981. Also Published as Mededelingenblad Nederlandse Vereniging van Vrienden van de Ceramiek, vols. 101/102, p.33, cat. 15.
- Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.204, cat. 261.
- Austrumu porcellans un Niderlande. Austrumu un Rietumu mijiedarbiba 17. gadsimta / Oriental Porcelain and the Netherlands. Interaction between East and West in the 17th century, (C.J.A. Jörg, Art Museum Riga Bourse, Riga, 2011), pp.226-227, cat. 79.
For an identically shaped, sized and decorated coffee pot with Danish silver mounts that bears the monogram of King Frederick IV of Denmark (r.1699-1730) and the Holstein coat of arms on tap, in the Princess's lacquered chamber at Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen. (Impey 2002, p. 106) to see this coffee pot, please see:
- Japanese Porcelain, (S. Jenyns, Faber & Faber, London / Boston, 1979), cat. 18a.
- Chinesisches und japanisches Porzellan in europäischen Fassungen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Verlag Klinkhardt & Biermann, Braunschweig,1980), p.397, Abb. 427.
For other identically shaped, sized and decorated mounted coffee pots, please see;.
- Chinesisches und japanisches Porzellan in europäischen Fassungen, (D.F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Verlag Klinkhardt & Biermann, Braunschweig,1980), p.397, Abb. 428.
- Early Japanese Porcelain: Arita Porcelain in the Dresden Collection, (F. Reichel, Londen 1981), cat. 15.
- Mistrovská dĩla Japonského porcelánu / Masterpieces of Japanese Porcelain, (F. Suchomel, Prague 1997), p.71, cat. 11.
Condition object 2012243: A firing flaw to the belly and the handle, a restored loopring to the cover and a shallow chip to the rim.
Condition object 2012244: Some fine crazing to the glaze, a firing flaw to the handle and to glaze rough spots to the square in low relief that fits the Dutch brass tap. The cover is completely restored.
References:
Lunsingh Scheurleer 1971, cat. 113 & 114
Lunsingh Scheurleer 1980, p.397, Abb. 427 & 428, p.398, Abb. 429a & p.399 Abb. 430 & 432
Ayers, Impey & Mallet 1990, p.213
Price: Sold.
More pictures of objects 2012243 & 2012244 >>
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 201034
Teapot
Japan
1700-1720
Height with cover 130 mm (5.12 inch), diameter handle to spout 180 mm (7.09 inch), diameter of footring 70 mm (2.76 inch)
Moulded teapot with a glazed base on a wide unglazed footring. Curved spout with C-shaped handle. Imari decorated in low relief in underglaze blue with iron-red and gold. On both sides two moulded panels one decorated in low-relief with two monkeys, one is sitting under a flowering prunus tree while the other is hanging from a branch. The other panel is decorated in low relief with a feng-huang in flight in between flowering branches. Both panels flanked by flowering peony and chrysanthemum plants. On the shoulder four reserves filled with flowering peony and wisteria plants reserved on a underglaze blue ground. Around the neck a pointed leaves pattern border. The cover is decorated in low relief with two flowering prunus sprays on a underglaze blue ground. On the handle and spout flower sprays.
Bottles, vases, teapots and other objects with similar recessed panels that form a kind of window through to a deeper picture layer were only produced for a short period. This was probably because they were to time-consuming to make and therefore expensive. This type of decoration is only found on Japanese pieces; Chinese imitations are still unknown. (Jörg 2003/1, p.98)
Japanese Imari objects decorated in a low relief are rare. In 'Fine & Curious' a vase and shaving bowl both decorated in a low relief are published. Jörg states that these objects could have been made in a specialised workshop producing for export. (Jörg 2003/1, p.100 & p.186)
Condition: A tiny fleabite to a firing flaw at the tip of the spout.
Reference:
Jörg 2003/1, p.98 & cat. 99 & cat. 231
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Objects 2011995, 2011998 & 2011998A
Three teacups and saucers
Japan
1700-1720
2011995:
Height of teacup 51 mm (2.01 inch), diameter of rim 82 mm (3.23 inch), diameter of footring: 31 mm (1.22 inch), weight 67 grams (2.37 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 30 mm (1.18 inch), diameter of rim 142 mm (5.59 inch), diameter of footring 75 mm (2.95 inch), weight 137 grams (4.83 ounce (oz.))
2011998:
Height of teacup 50 mm (1.97 inch), diameter of rim 83 mm (3.27 inch), diameter of footring: 33 mm (1.30 inch), weight 65 grams (2.29 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 34 mm (1.34 inch), diameter of rim 138 mm (5.43 inch), diameter of footring 71 mm (2.80 inch), weight 133 grams (4.96 ounce (oz.))
2011998A
Height of teacup 49 mm (1.93 inch), diameter of rim 81 mm (3.19 inch), diameter of footring: 34 mm (1.33 inch), weight 68 grams (2.40 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 29 mm (1.14 inch), diameter of rim 126 mm (4.96 inch), diameter of footring 63 mm (2.48 inch), weight 107 grams (3.77 ounce (oz.))
Three teacups and saucers on footrings with everted rims. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, overglaze iron-red, green, yellow, light aubergine, black enamel and gold. In the centre a standing female figure, facing left, wearing a red kimono dress. She is standing in front of a closed zig-zag shaped garden fence, which reaches to her middle. To her right an open building with wooden roof, with a seated figure. In the foreground of this building a large cherry tree, with a curved trunk, branches and finely painted grains. The tree has red cherry blossoms. To the left of the central figure two birds flying above a fence from left to right. In the foreground some flowers growing from pierced rockwork. The rim is decorated with a dark blue border with golden scrollwork. The reverse is decorated with three stylized flowering plants. On the base a single concentric band. The teacups are decorated en suite.
These teacups and saucers belong to the so-called five colour Imari group (gosai). This colour scheme consists of red, green, purple (aubergine) and/or yellow enamels with gold and underglaze blue. Soame Jenyns proposes that the lavish use of golden detailing on the underglaze blue was perhaps meant to hide the imperfections caused by blurring in the firing, a common characteristic of Japanese porcelain. Arts states (he quotes Soame Jenyns on this) that landscapes and human figures are less commonly found on five colour Imari.
Suchomel illustrates an Imari bowl with lid decorated with a very similar blossoming cherry tree motif (sakura). The cherry blossom is regarded as the most important flower of Japan, together with the chrysanthemum. One of the names of Japan is in fact "land of the cherry blossom". The cherry blossom is emblematic of purity of life and the samurai spirit.
Jörg states that It is often not easy to distinguish between export and non-export wares, Imari was certainly not exclusively made for export. This particular type of Imari porcelain was highly esteemed in Japan. In this case, the existence of an identical decorated saucer in a Japanese collection could signify that these saucers were originally meant for the Japanese home market.
For this identically decorated saucer, please see:
Allthough the cups have roughly the same height and diameter, the diameter and the height of the saucers vary considerably (please see sizes above). Differences in measurements between the same plates or sets are not uncommon in Japanese porcelain. However, another interesting possiblity is that the sets with small size saucers might have been used for serving tea while the larger versions were used for serving coffee.
Interestingly the design was also used for overdecorating in the Netherlands, 'Amsterdams Bont' in the early 18th century, Espir shows a plain white Chinese chocolate cup and saucer overdecorated 1708-1720 with the original Japanese design in a Kakiemon style, for this chocolate cup and saucer please see:
A very similar decorated small plate, again with a blossoming cherry tree, fenced garden and identical blue rim with golden scrollwork, however without the exceptional Japanese figures, is described in Impey’s 'Japanese Export Porcelain', cat. 330. Interestingly, he mentions that the Ashmolean Museum also has a Worcester cup and saucer of that same pattern in the Marshall collection.
Impey records a very similar decorated small plate, again with a blossoming cherry tree, fenced garden and identical blue rim with golden scrollwork, however without the exceptional Japanese figures. Interestingly, he mentions that the Ashmolean Museum also has a Worcester cup and saucer of that same pattern in the Marshall collection
Conditions:
2011995
Teacup: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
2011998:
Teacup: A fleabite to the rim.
Saucer: Shallow fleabites and a chip to the footring.
2011998A:
Teacup: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
References:
Price:
2011995: Sold.
2011998: Sold.
2011998A: Sold.
More pictures of object 2011470 another identically shaped and decorated, sold saucer >>
More pictures of object 2012381 another identically shaped and decorated, sold tea bowl >>
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Objects 2010334 and 2011366
Teacup & saucer
Japan
1700-1720
Height of teacup 40 mm (1.57 inch), diameter of rim 69 mm (2.72 inch), diameter of footring 30 mm (1.18 inch), weight 38 grams (1.34 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 21 mm (0.83 inch), diameter of rim 119 mm (4.69 inch), diameter of footring 69 mm (2.72 inch), weight 81 grams (2.86 ounce (oz.))
Teacup and saucer on footrings, straight rims. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, black, gold and various other overglaze enamel colours, with four fishermen, two in a boat and two walking with a running dog on a bridge near a village with trees, rocks, mountains, houses and a lighthouse with flags. In the background even more mountains with trees and houses. On the rim a zig-zag lines pattern border. On the reverse three flower sprays. Teacup 2011366, acquired at a later date, is decorated en suite.
Earlier sold object 2012088, (not included in this sale/offer).
Jörg describes a saucer with a similar but historical more important decoration. On this Imari decorated saucer we see a scene with the same two fisherman who now are having a pick nick on a rocky river-bank with besides them a Hamper and a bottle inscribed with the Initials 'F.W'. A teacup with this rare decoration was donated by Pater Gratia Oriental Art to the collection of Oriental ceramics in the Groninger Museum in March 2012. (Jörg 2003/1, p.221
Condition:
Teacup: A frit with a connected hairline to the rim.
Saucer: A firing flaw to the inner footring.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 2010100L
Saucer
Japan
1700-1720
Height 24 mm (0.95 inch), diameter of rim 125 mm (4.92 inch), diameter of footring 65 mm (2.56 inch), weight 97 grams (3.42 ounce (oz.))
Saucer on footring, straight rim. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, overglaze iron-red, gold, green and black enamel with shore vegetation and six ducks in flight, in the background a pagoda with flags, trees and rocks by a fence. On the rim six panels, filled with a floret between scrolls in gold on a underglaze blue ground alternating with a trellis pattern in iron-red. On the reverse three groups of flowering cherry plants.
Condition: Perfect.
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Objects 2010631 and 2010632
A pair of teapots
Japan
1700-1720
2010631 height with cover 79 mm (3.11 inch), height without cover 64 mm (2.52 inch), diameter handle to spout 132 mm (5.20 inch), diameter of mouthrim 40 mm (1.57 inch), diameter of footring 45 mm (1.77 inch), weight including cover 236 grams (8.32 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 20 grams (0.71 ounce (oz.))
2010632 height with cover 74 mm (2.91 inch), height without cover 64 mm (2.52 inch), diameter handle to spout 136 mm (5.35 inch), diameter of mouthrim 44 mm (1.73 inch), diameter of footring 49 mm (1.93 inch), weight including cover 234 grams (8.25 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 20 grams (0.71 ounce (oz.))
A pair of globular shaped teapots on footrings, curved C-shaped handles with short, slightly bent, spouts. Domed covers with round knobs. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold. Near the rims the bodies have an original (glazed) pierced holes. Greyish paste and greenish glaze. Both Imari decorated in underglaze blue with iron-red and gold on both sides, the covers with flowering chrysanthemum and carnation branches, On the handles and spouts florets between scrolls.
These teapots were probably made for export, although the decoration is not very European, while the spout is very blunt. Those with a more elongated or curved spout seem to be more akin to the European teapot, but their shape was probably inspired by the Chinese teapot of the 16th century, which looked like the European teapot but was much smaller. It had a handle at the side, a spout opposite to it and a lid. The wide, overlapping cover without a flat rim, breaking the line of the curving body, is unusual. (Arts 1983, p.53), (Jörg 2003/1, p.196)
Condition:
2010631: A tiny restored chip to the underside of the rim of the cover.
2010632: A restored handle and tip of the spout.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 2011830
Teapot
Japan
1710-1730
Height with cover 98 mm (3.86 inch), diameter handle to spout 137 mm (5.39 inch), diameter of mouthrim 40 mm (1.57 inch), diameter of footring 49 mm (1.93 inch), weight with cover 228 grams (8.04 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 24 grams (0.85 ounce (oz.))
Small oviform teapot on footring. Curved handle, slightly bent spout. Domed cover with round knob. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold. Decorated around the foot a leafy and flowering branches scroll. On each side of the body a kidney-shaped panel reserved on a dark blue ground filled with flowering plants and birds. The panels are flanked by four flowerheads on a dark blue ground with leafy scrolls in gold. On the handle and spout florets between scrolls. On the cover two kidney-shaped panel reserved on a dark blue ground filled with flowering plants and birds. Both panels are flanked by a flower head on a dark blue ground with leafy scrolls in gold.
Condition: A shallow chip to the tip of the spout.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
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Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1
Object 2011458
Saucer
Japan
1700-1730
Height 20 mm (0.79 inch), diameter of rim 112 mm (4.41 inch), diameter of footring 61 mm (2.40 inch)
Octagonal saucer on a high footring, spreading sides, short flat rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a leaping shishi (Buddhist lion), On the rim the precious objects Double coins alternating with Rhinoceros Horns. The reverse is undecorated.
A collection of symbolical ornaments, which are frequently grouped together on Chinese art objects, are the so-called "Hundred Antiques". A favourite set of these emblems constitute the "Eight Precious Objects". The Cash derived from a round coin pierced with a square hole in the centre for convenience of stringing. Rhinoceros horn cups were also said to sweat when filled with poisonous substances. These eight designs are found on all classes of Japanese ceramics. They are known in Japan as the "Eight Treasures" (happõ). (Arts 1983, pp.79-80)
The design of a shishi, a Japanese variant of the Chinese shi-tzu (Dog of Fo). as a main motif on a blank ground is unusual and the rendering of a subject that would have mystified its European purchaser. (Impey 2002, p.110), (Jörg 2003/1, p.137)
The "Chinese lion" or kara shishi is supposed to be the Chinese conception of a creature never seen in China but told of by travellers or copied from the pictures from India as there are no records of lions in ancient Chinese writings before about 250 A.D. It is also called a Chinese Dog or Dog of Fo (Buddha) from which it is clear that dog-like characteristics prevail over the original leonine ones. The lion symbolizes guardianship and protection, from which belief is derived the practice of placing statues of lions at the doors of palaces and tombs as guardians of both the living and the dead against all evil.
The shishi is characterized by a fierce expression, large bulging eyes and curly mane, a bushy tail and curly locks of hair on the legs. Japanese pairs of figures of shishi usually have both animals with an ornamental / brocade ball, whereas Chinese examples usually have one with a ball, the other (female) with a cub. It is clear that the shishi is no ordinary lion, but a mythical beast. It is probable that the lion in this mythical form came over from the Middle East as a guardian figure in Chinese pre-historical times. After the introduction of Buddhism, the shishi retained its function as a guardian, and pairs of these animals were placed on either side of the entrance of temples in China and Japan. The ornamental / brocade ball is said to be hollow and is the Emblem of Pure Vacancy, an extremely important principle in Japanese thinking. The Brocade Ball is often decorated with the Cash symbol (shippõ), having the special significance that it represents the seven jewels: gold, silver, coral, crystal, emerald, agate and pearl. The Buddhist Lion is often shown in combination with the peony flower, the king of flowers with the king of beasts. (Arts 1983, p.110), (Fitski 2011, p.160)
For dishes decorated with a shishi on a blank ground, please see:
For a small Chinese, polychrome decorated, jar with two lions between foliage, please see:
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Arts 1983, pp.79-80 & pp.108-110
Pinto de Matos 1996, cat 75 & pp.273-280
Price: Sold.
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