Sold Ceramics
Sold Japanese Imari 1680-1800
Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only
Page 1
In category 36 'Coloured Imari with no underglaze blue, iron-red and gold only' of his Japanese export porcelain, Impey states that the implication of this singular restriction of palette, without the use of underglaze blue, is that these may be the product of a single enamelling workshop, but may or may not be the product of a single kiln. The restriction is probably one of choice, for it would hardly be cheaper, if at all, to use a wider range of enamels, and no cheaper to use underglaze blue. (Impey 2002, pp.220-221)
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Object 2012464
Teapot
Japan
1690-1720
Height with cover 76 mm (2.99 inch), height without cover 68 mm (2.68 inch), diameter handle to spout 100 mm (3.94 inch), diameter of mouthrim 20 mm (0.79 inch), diameter of foot 28 mm (1.10 inch), weight including cover 99 grams (3.49 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 6 grams (0.21 ounce (oz.))
Small teapot, square, rounded body on flat unglazed base. Curved handle and a short straight spout. Small upright mouthrim, flat lid with round knob. Imari decorated in iron-red and gold on the sides with flowering plants and grasses and two deeply recessed kidney-shaped panels with modelled decorations in high relief. One panel with a cock, chicken and two eggs on the other a bird perched on a branch of a prunus tree. Round the base of the spout an upturned pointed leaves pattern border. On the handle a floret between scrolls. On the cover round the base of the knob a leaves pattern border in low relief.
In category 36 'Coloured Imari with no underglaze blue, iron-red and gold only' of his Japanese export porcelain, Impey states that the implication of this singular restriction of palette, without the use of underglaze blue, is that these may be the product of a single enamelling workshop, but may or may not be the product of a single kiln. The restriction is probably one of choice, for it would hardly be cheaper, if at all, to use a wider range of enamels, and no cheaper to use underglaze blue. (Impey 2002, pp.220-221)
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 too 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, cat.96)
Japanese Imari objects decorated in a low relief are rare. In 'Fine & Curious' a bottle (cat. 96), two teapots (cat. 243) and a shaving bowl (231), all 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)
The inset relief-modelled scenes, often of chickens, can also be found on longnecked bottles. (Impey 2002, p,221, cat. 381)
For an similarly shaped, sized and decorated teapot, please see:
For an earlier sold teapot also decorated in low relief with similar recessed panels that form a kind of window through to a deeper picture layer, please see:
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Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1 - Object 201034.
Condition: Firing flaws to the handle, the mouthrim an underside of the rim of the cover, two very tiny fleabites to the tip of the spout and a firing tension hairline to the underside of the handle. At one point in time the cover was probably glued to the teapot by a former owner this way preventing it from accidentally falling off and breaking, some glue remains are attached to the underside of the rim of the cover.
References:
Jörg 1982/2, cat. 98 & cat. 122
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Object 2012344
Bowl
Japan
1700-1730
Height 80 mm (3.14 inch), diameter of rim 155 mm (6.10 inch), diameter of footring 63 mm (2.48 inch), weight 375 grams (13.23 ounce (oz.))
Bowl on footring, spreading sides. Imari, decorated in iron-red and gold with a hôô bird or Japanese pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) in flight above flowering plants alternating with grasses, bamboo and flowering chrysanthemum and lotuses. Round the footring a broad band in gold. On the bottom a flower spray.
In category 36 'Coloured Imari with no underglaze blue, iron-red and gold only' of his Japanese export porcelain, Impey states that the implication of this singular restriction of palette, without the use of underglaze blue, is that these may be the product of a single enamelling workshop, but may or may not be the product of a single kiln. The restriction is probably one of choice, for it would hardly be cheaper, if at all, to use a wider range of enamels, and no cheaper to use underglaze blue. (Impey 2002, pp.220-221)
The exotic birds depicted are most likely two hôô birds or two Japanese pheasants (Phasianus versicolor). The hôô is a mythical bird originating from China, a composite creature, whose composing elements vary, although in Japan it remains essentially a mixture between a cockerel, a pheasant and a bird of paradise. Japanese pheasants (Phasianus versicolor) are, given their different heads, presumably supposed to be a pair, but in fact only the male has an elaborate tail that can be spread out like a fan. (Fitski 2011, pp.158-159)
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Object 2010662
Teapot
Japan
1690-1720
Height 65 mm (2.56 inch), diameter handle to spout 95 mm (3.74 inch), diameter of mouthrim 16 mm (0.63 inch), diameter of foot 35 mm (1.38 inch), weight with cover 97 grams (3.42 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 14 grams (0.49 ounce (oz.))
A pomegranate-shaped teapot on a flat unglazed base. Curved handle and a short straight spout. Imari decorated in iron-red and gold. The original cover is missing, fitted with a custom made, Dutch silver replica of the original cover. Decorated with branches of flowering chrysanthemum and two irregular shaped cartouches filled with coloured dots in relief. Decorated on both sides and on the cover with flowering peony branches, On the handle and spout florets between scrolls. Around the neck a pointed leaves pattern border. The Dutch silver cover has the 925 (purity) mark as the standard mark on articles too small for the full hallmarking.
In category 36 'Coloured Imari with no underglaze blue, iron-red and gold only' of his Japanese export porcelain, Impey states that the implication of this singular restriction of palette, without the use of underglaze blue, is that these may be the product of a single enamelling workshop, but may or may not be the product of a single kiln. The restriction is probably one of choice, for it would hardly be cheaper, if at all, to use a wider range of enamels, and no cheaper to use underglaze blue. (Impey 2002, pp.220-221)
According to Jörg this teapot has an unusual form for Japanese porcelain. (Jörg 1982/2, p.81)
For an identically shaped, sized and decorated teapot with original cover, please see:
Condition: A very tiny fleabite to the tip of the spout and a firing tension hairline to the underside of the handle.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Object 2011456
Miniature garniture
Japan
1690-1720
Height baluster beaker vases 72 mm (2.83 inch) / 69 mm (2.72 inch) / 69 mm (2.72 inch), diameter 34 mm (1.34 inch) / 32 mm (1.26 inch) / 32 mm (1.26 inch), diameter of mouthrim 18 mm (0.71 inch) / 16 mm (0.63 inch) / 18 mm (0.71 inch), diameter of footring 25 mm (0.98 inch) / 21 mm (0.83 inch) / 22 mm (0.87 inch), weight 41 grams (1.45 ounce (oz.)) / 42 grams (1.48 ounce (oz.)) / 46 grams (1.62 ounce (oz.))
Height baluster jars with cover 82 mm (3.23 inch) / 93 mm (3.66 inch), height baluster jars without cover 67 mm (2.64 inch) / 70 mm (2.76 inch), diameter 54 mm (2.13 inch) / 51 mm (2.01 inch), diameter of mouthrim 31 mm (1.22 inch) / 29 mm (1.14 inch), diameter of footring 31 mm (1.22 inch) / 29 mm (1.14 inch), weight 98 grams (3.46 ounce (oz.)) / 96 grams (3.39 ounce (oz.))
Miniature garniture consisiting of two covered baluster jars and three baluster beaker vases on footrings. The oviform jars with wide, upright necks. Domed covers and pointed knobs (one knob has fallen sideways during the firing process). All with a takefushi shaped foot and decorated in overglaze iron-red and gold with flowering carnation alternating with a clump of flowering daisies. Round the necks pointed leaves-pattern borders. The covers are decorated en suite.
Porcelain miniatures were popular in The Netherlands, where they were used to furnish doll's houses, which were not children's playthings but professionally furnished replicas of townhouses. In general, miniatures were included in groups of decorative porcelain placed on shelves, brackets and consoles in the Dutch interior, or in the porcelain rooms of the grand houses, such as those still in Pommersfelden and Charlottenburg. Germany. (Jörg 2003/1, p.190)
For a similarly decorated miniature salt and chamber-pot, please see:
Condition:
Covered baluster vases: A firing flaw to a pointed knob. A fleabite to a rim and a chip to an inner rim.
Baluster beaker vases: Some firing flaws. A chip and a fleabite to a rim, an tiny glaze hairline and a "S"-shaped glaze hairline to a rim.
References:
Jörg 2003/1, cat. 191, 193 & 238
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Objects 2011770A-F
Six tea bowls and saucers
Japan
1700-1720
20117701A:
Height of tea bowl 36 mm (1.41 inch), diameter of rim 61 mm (2.40 inch), diameter of footring 25 mm (0.98 inch), weight 38 grams (1.34 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 22 mm (0.87 inch), diameter of rim 110 mm (4.33 inch), diameter of footring 47 mm (1.85 inch), weight 83 grams (2.93 ounce (oz.))
2011770B:
Height of tea bowl 37 mm (1.46 inch), diameter of rim 64 mm (2.51 inch), diameter of footring 27 mm (1.06 inch), weight 37 grams (1.31 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 22 mm (0.87 inch), diameter of rim 110 mm (4.33 inch), diameter of footring 47 mm (1.85 inch), weight 99 grams (3.49 ounce (oz.))
2011770C:
Height of tea bowl 35 mm (1.38 inch), diameter of rim 63 mm (2.48 inch), diameter of footring 25 mm (0.98 inch), weight 35 grams (1.23 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 21 mm (0.83 inch), diameter of rim 111 mm (4.37 inch), diameter of footring 46 mm (1.81 inch), weight 87 grams (3.07 ounce (oz.))
2011770D:
Height of tea bowl 36 mm (1.41 inch), diameter of rim 62 mm (2.44 inch), diameter of footring 25 mm (0.98 inch), weight 35 grams (1.23 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 23 mm (0.91 inch), diameter of rim 112 mm (4.41 inch), diameter of footring 45 mm (1.77 inch), weight 87 grams (3.07 ounce (oz.))
2011770E:
Height of teabowl 36 mm (1.41 inch), diameter of rim 61 mm (2.40 inch), diameter of footring 25 mm (0.98 inch), weight 32 grams (1.13 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 20 mm (0.79 inch), diameter of rim 110 mm (4.33 inch), diameter of footring 46 mm (1.81 inch), weight 64 grams (2.26 ounce (oz.))
2011770F:
Height of teabowl 36 mm (1.42 inch), diameter of rim 62 mm (2.44 inch), diameter of footring 25 mm (0.98 inch), weight 35 grams (1.23 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 22 mm (0.86 inch), diameter of rim 111 mm (4.37 inch), diameter of footring 45 mm (1.77 inch), weight 90 grams (3.17 ounce (oz.))
Six tea bowls and saucers on footrings with everted rims. Imari decorated in overglaze iron-red and gold with a central flower spray on the sides and rim two wide spread panels filled with two birds perched on the branch of a flowering tree. The reverses are undecorated. The tea bowls are decorated en suite.
In category 36 'Coloured Imari with no underglaze blue, iron-red and gold only' of his Japanese export porcelain, Impey states that the implication of this singular restriction of palette, without the use of underglaze blue, is that these may be the product of a single enamelling workshop, but may or may not be the product of a single kiln. The restriction is probably one of choice, for it would hardly be cheaper, if at all, to use a wider range of enamels, and no cheaper to use underglaze blue. (Impey 2002, pp.220-221)
Conditions:
2012282A
Tea bowl: A hairline to the rim.
Saucer: Perfect.
2012282B
Tea bowl: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
2012282C
Tea bowl: Two fleabites to the rim..
Saucer: Two hairlines to the rim.
2012282D
Tea bowl: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
2012282E
Tea bowl: Perfect.
Saucer: Two firing flaws to the rim.
2012282F
Tea bowl: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Object 2011948
Teapot
Japan
1680-1700
Height with cover 95 mm (3.74 inch), height without cover 75 mm (2.95 inch), diameter ear to spout 141 mm (5.55 inch), diameter of mouthrim 37 mm (1.46 inch), diameter of footring 37 mm (1.46 inch), weight with cover 159 grams (5.61 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 17 grams (0.60 ounce (oz.))
Teapot on footring. Slightly bent spout, C-shaped handle. Domed cover with a round knob. Decorated in iron-red, pink wash and gold with on one side flowering peony plants and on the other side flowering chrysanthemum plants. On the shoulder a border of chrysanthemum petals in low relief alternately decorated with iron-red, pink wash and a floret, around the neck a pointed leaves pattern border.
Round the foot a marubatsu pattern border (modern Japanese for 'naughts and crosses' or 'Os and Xs')
The cover is decorated en suite with similar chrysanthemum petals in low relief. The handle and spout with florets between scrolls.
Condition: A fleabite to the inside of the rim of the cover.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
More pictures of object 2011462, another identically shaped, sized and decorated, sold teapot >>
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Objects 2012282A-F
Six tea bowls and saucers
Japan
1700-1720
2012282A:
Height of tea bowl 39 mm (1.53 inch), diameter of rim 65 mm (2.55 inch), diameter of footring 22 mm (0.86 inch), weight 40 grams (2.37 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 23 mm (0.91 inch), diameter of rim 110 mm (4.33 inch), diameter of footring 45 mm (1.77 inch), weight 83 grams (4.83 ounce (oz.))
2012282B:
Height of tea bowl 37 mm (1.46 inch), diameter of rim 63 mm (2.48 inch), diameter of footring 26 mm (1.02 inch), weight 33 grams (2.29 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 26 mm (1.02 inch), diameter of rim 108 mm (4.25 inch), diameter of footring 43 mm (1.69 inch), weight 73 grams (4.96 ounce (oz.))
2012282C:
Height of tea bowl 38 mm (1.49 inch), diameter of rim 65 mm (2.56 inch), diameter of footring 26 mm (1.02 inch), weight 42 grams (2.40 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 24 mm (0.94 inch), diameter of rim 109 mm (4.29 inch), diameter of footring 42 mm (1.65 inch), weight 74 grams (3.77 ounce (oz.))
2012282D:
Height of tea bowl 38 mm (1.49 inch), diameter of rim 62 mm (2.44 inch), diameter of footring 21 mm (0.83 inch), weight 33 grams (2.37 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 23 mm (0.91 inch), diameter of rim 107 mm (4.21 inch), diameter of footring 45 mm (1.77 inch), weight 69 grams (4.83 ounce (oz.))
2012282E:
Height of teabowl 41 mm (1.61 inch), diameter of rim 61 mm (2.40 inch), diameter of footring 24 mm (0.94 inch), weight 37 grams (2.29 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 26 mm (1.02 inch), diameter of rim 110 mm (4.33 inch), diameter of footring 44 mm (1.73 inch), weight 75 grams (4.96 ounce (oz.))
2012282F:
Height of teabowl 35 mm (1.38 inch), diameter of rim 63 mm (2.48 inch), diameter of footring 21 mm (0.83 inch), weight 30 grams (2.40 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 24 mm (0.94 inch), diameter of rim 108 mm (4.24 inch), diameter of footring 44 mm (1.73 inch), weight 74 grams (3.77 ounce (oz.))
Six tea bowls and saucers on footrings with everted rims. Imari decorated in overglaze iron-red and gold with a central flower spray on the sides and rim large panels filled with a bamboo tree, a bird in flight and clouds alternating with small panels filled with a flower spray. The reverse is undecorated. The tea bowls are decorated en suite.
In category 36 'Coloured Imari with no underglaze blue, iron-red and gold only' of his Japanese export porcelain, Impey states that the implication of this singular restriction of palette, without the use of underglaze blue, is that these may be the product of a single enamelling workshop, but may or may not be the product of a single kiln. The restriction is probably one of choice, for it would hardly be cheaper, if at all, to use a wider range of enamels, and no cheaper to use underglaze blue. (Impey 2002, pp.220-221)
Conditions:
2012282A
Tea bowl: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
2012282B
Tea bowl: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
2012282C
Tea bowl: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
2012282D
Tea bowl: A hairline to the rim.
Saucer: Perfect.
2012282E
Tea bowl: Perfect.
Saucer: Perfect.
2012282F
Tea bowl: A tiny fleabite to the outer rim.
Saucer: Perfect.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Object 2011285-2
Miniature dish
Japan
c.1700
Height 10 mm (0.39 inch), diameter of rim 65 mm (2.56 inch), diameter of footring 28 mm (1.10 inch)
Miniature dish on footring, wide flat rim. Decorated in overglaze iron-red and gold with a two flower sprays. The reverse is undecorated.
This miniature dish, 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 ewer, most likely a part from the same miniature table ware comprising set, please see:
For a similarly decorated miniature salt and chamber-pot, please see:
Condition: A fleabite to the rim.
References:
Jörg 2003/1, cat. 191, 193, 214 & 238
Price: Sold.
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:
For a similarly decorated miniature salt and chamber-pot, please see:
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Jörg 2003/1, cat. 191, 193, 214 & 238
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Object 2010790
Miniature, possibly apothecary, bottle
Japan
1690-1720
Height 57 mm (2.24 inch), diameter 35 mm (1.38 inch), diameter of mouthrim 8 mm (0.32 inch), diameter of footring 23 mm (0.91 inch), weight 36 grams (1.27 ounce (oz.))
Miniature, possibly apothecary, oviform bottle on footring, tapering neck with a horizontal rib. Flanged mouthrim. Imari decorated in overglaze iron-red and gold with two flowering chrysanthemum sprays. Above the ribbed neck a pointed leaves pattern border.
The use of this miniature, possibly apothecary bottle is unknown, It is too large to be placed in a doll's house. It may have been solely for decorative purposes. (Jörg 2003/1, p.165)
Condition: A frit and three fleabites to the mouthrim and a firing flaw to the waist and neck.
References:
Jörg 2003/1, cat. 191, 193 & 238
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Imari with no Underglaze Blue, Iron-red and Gold only - Page 1
Objects 2010251 and 2010252
Two saucers
Japan
1690-1720
2010251: Height 21 mm (0.83 inch), diameter of rim 108 mm (4.25 inch), diameter of footring 49 mm (1.93 inch), weight 71 grams (2.51 ounce (oz.))
2010252: Height 20 mm (0.79 inch), diameter of rim 110 mm (4.33 inch), diameter of footring 48 mm (1.89 inch), weight 68 grams (2.40 ounce (oz.))
Two saucers on footrings, slightly everted rims. Imari decorated in overglaze iron-red and gold with a flowering wisteria and two quails near a shore. The reverses are undecorated.
The quail, closely allied to the partridge, is an emblem of courage both in China and Japan, as it is highly esteemed as a fighting bird. In North China people made these birds fight under a basket, where millet first had been strewn to make them jealous. Moreover, quails are believed to change into pheasants eventually. On Japanese porcelain they are frequently depicted amidst autumn grasses under millet. This quail and millet design, symbolizing the autumn is especially common on Kakiemon, but is also found on ko Kutani, Imari and blue-and-white wares. It has been suggested that that particular form is copied from the work of the painter Tosa Mitsuoki (1607-1691), but it probably originated from Chinese paintings of the Sung period. This motif has been copied on European porcelain, especially at Bow and Chelsea, where it is used as a decoration on the so-called 'partridge plates', and also on Meissen porcelain. (Arts 1983, pp.134-135)
Condition:
2010251: A frit to the rim and a few chips to the inner footring.
2010252: A glaze hairline to the exterior wall.
References:
Price: Sold.
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