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When internal wars began to impede the production of, and consequently the trade in, Chinese porcelain toward the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), several Dutch Merchants began to buy porcelain in Japan. At the same time, the production of faience pottery in Delft was stimulated, in order to compensate the shortage of Chinese porcelain. From 1658 onward, the Dutch East India Company, (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC) also recognized these commercial opportunities and began to order greater quantities of porcelain from Japan. In addition to a very diverse assortment of blue-and-white porcelain. largely in the style of traditional Chinese export goods, the coloured Japanese porcelain formed an unexpected new article in the Netherlands. It soon became very fashionable and the Company was able to generate a great deal of profit in this field.
One potter who benefited greatly from the new Dutch orders was Sakaida Kakiemon, who owned a porcelain kiln near Nangawara, just outside Arita. His porcelains characterized by a lucid whit composition and texture with decorations in various tints of enamel including orange-red, grass-green and blue.
By the second half of the 17th century, this porcelain had already seen the rise of a serious rival, the so-called Imari porcelain, named after the port in Kyushu from which it was shipped. This Imari was cheaper, and had vibrant, full decoration in cobalt blue, orange-red and gold, occasionally with extra details in green enamel, aubergine or black. It was manufactured specifically for export and harmonized perfectly with the baroque taste of the buyers in the Netherlands. It became so popular that the Chinese also began to produce it from the 18th century onward.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012534
Chamber-pot
Japan
Late 17th century
Height 60 mm (2.36 inch), diameter of mouthrim 80 mm (3.15 inch), diameter of footring 43 mm (1.69 inch), weight 115 grams (4.06 ounce (oz.))
Small chamber-pot on footring, spreading rim, curved handle with thumb-rest. Decorated in red, green, black and aubergine enamels and gold with two groups of flowering gardenias growing from rockwork. Round the foot two red lines, on the inside of the rim a karakusa scroll partly in red, partly outlined in red, and divided by single flowers. On the handle a floret between scrolls.
For an identically shaped, sized, and decorated chamber-pot, please see:
- Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.165, cat. 191.
-
Japanese wares with Western Shapes or Designs 1653-1800 - Page 2 - Object 2011632.
Jörg also shows a similarly sized and decorated cuspidor. (Jörg 2003/1, p.166, cat. 193)
For a slightly larger chamber-pot decorated in underglaze blue, please see:
The use of this small chamber-pot is unknown. It is too large to be placed in a doll's house. 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. Similar miniature objects were also made of silver and glass, and the pieces of Japanese (and Chinese) porcelain fit into the general trend. (Jörg 2003/1, p.190)
Condition: Firing flaws to the handle and rim, firing tension hairlines to the base, a short hairline to the rim.
References:
Jörg 2003/1, p.166, p.190, cat.191 & 193
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012500
Bowl
Japan
c.1690
Height 103 mm (4.06 inch), diameter of rim 235 mm (9.25 inch), diameter of footring 98 mm (3.86 inch), weight 982 grams (34.64 ounce (oz.))
Lobbed bowl on footring, spreading sides, lobed rim. Imari, decorated in iron red, green, turquoise, yellow, gray enamels and gold. Inside on the sides a wide spread large peony and camellia with prunus mume spray. On the bottom a stylized 16-petal chrysanthemum crest, (kiku no mon). On the outside flowering chrysanthemum, bush clover, bamboo and Chinese bellflower combined with a brushwood fence, made up of bundles of twigs tied together. A butterfly in flight and a group of flowering fringed pink with a bamboo. Round the foot a meander-pattern band in red.
In China the symbolic meaning of an animal or plant dominates, in Japan motifs on applied art often indicate a season. The decoration on the inside of this bowl indicate spring while the decoration on the outside indicate autumn.
The Camellia [tsubaki] (Camellia japonica) of the yamatsubaki type is one of the three variants endemic to Japan, which flower in southernly situated Arita in winter and very early Spring. Together with Prunus mume [ume] which symbolize purity and renewal in Japan, it primarily heralds the coming of spring. (Fitski 2011, p.148)
The tree peony [botan] (Peonia suffruticosa) occurs as a stylized flower scroll in an edge border motif but the flowering branches are also frequently depicted in their own, sometimes as an exuberant flowering plant, often rising up out of a group of rocks, sometimes as a separate individual branch.
Although some types of chrysanthemum begins flowering in the summer, the chrysanthemum is primarily an indication of autumn. Like many autumn motifs the chrysanthemum evokes feelings of melancholy in Japan, as is beautifully expressed in a poem by the 9th-century Ki no Tomonori:
tsuyu nagara / to wear in my hair
arite kazasamu / I plucked a chrysanthemum
kiku no hana / with dew still clinging to it
aisenu aki no / oh may this present
hisashikarubeku / autumn's youth last forever
Bamboo [take] is evergreen, and pliable, yet very strong. It is quick to recover after a heavy snowfall or a storm. In Japan, these qualities have led to its representation of indomitability, and the posture that a wise person should adopt, particularly in times of adversity. (Fitski 2011, p.148)
Brushwood fence [shibagaki] this fence, made up of bundles of twigs tied together, is frequently combined with a bamboo trellis. (Fitski 2011, p.148)
Bush clover [hagi] (Lespedeza bicolor) with its leafy stalk ending in purple flowers, albeit mostly as a rather small and unremarkable motif. (Fitski 2011, p.148)
Chinese bellflower [kikyô] (Platycodon grandifilorum) is like the bush clover indigenous to China and Japan and begins to flower as early as August. (Fitski 2011, p.148)
The fringed pink [nadeshiko] (Dianthus superbus) blooms towards the end of summer, and as an early harbinger of the season is one of the Seven Flowers of Autumn. This flower is used in Japanese poetry as a poetic appellation for a woman. (Fitski 2011, p.150)
Although some types of chrysanthemum [kiku] begin flowering in the summer, the chrysanthemum is primarily an indication of autumn. Despite the chrysanthemum's status as a symbol of the Japanese imperial house, this meaning is only relevant when a 'sixteen'-fold double chrysanthemum', the stylized family crest (mon), is placed prominently and singly on an object. (Fitski 2011, p.149)
For an identically, shaped, sized and decorated bowl, please see;
- The Shibata Collection Part VII, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu, 1991), p.252, cat. 525.
- Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.340, cat. 2663.
Condition: Some wear to the inner decoration, chips to the rim and inner footring.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012382
Bowl
Japan
1690-1710
Height 89 mm (3.50 inch), diameter of rim 195 mm (7.68 inch), diameter of footring 81 mm (3.19 inch), weight 575 grams (20.28 ounce (oz.))
Lobbed bowl on footring, spreading sides, lobed rim. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron red, green, turquoise, yellow, gray and gold. Inside on the sides a large chrysanthemum spray, two sprays of a flowering plant and a large butterfly. In the centre a Chilon (sea-dragon) in a double concentric band. The inside sprays continue on the outside. The lower half with a foliate scroll border in underglaze blue. Round the foot a band with wavy lines in red. On the base a single concentric band.
An identically shaped, sized and decorated bowl incised with the Johanneum mark 'N=12' and signum square is in the collection of Augustus the Strong in Dresden and registered in the inventory of the collection in 1721 under number P.O. (Porzellan Ostasien) 4792.
For this identically, shaped, sized and decorated bowl, please see;
- Early Japanese Porcelain: Arita Porcelain in the Dresden Collection, (F. Reichel, Londen 1981), cat. 65.
- SKD Online collection.
Impey states that this bowl is unusual in that the blue-and-white decoration and the enamelled decoration are so totally separated. The enamelling is more typical of the type with no underglaze blue, both in style and in palette. (Impey 2002, p.200)
The shape of the bowl is mirrored by its decoration of a kiku-flower. Apart from the unusual, Chinese-style broad band round the foot and the Chilon (sea-dragon) in the centre, no underglaze blue was used in the decoration, allowing the enameller complete freedom. (Jörg 2003/1, p.96)
For an identically shaped and sized and similarly decorated bowl from the collection of the Duke of Northumberland, please see;
- Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.200, cat. 327.
- Eastern Ceramics and other works of art from the collection of Gerald Reitlinger, (Ashmolean Museum, Oxford 1981), p.85, cat. 227.
- Ashmolean Museum Oxford.
For another identically shaped and sized and similarly decorated bowl, please see;
Condition: Perfect with some firing flaws.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012383
Small bowl
Japan
c.1700
Height 56 mm (2.20 inch), diameter of rim 95 mm (3.74 inch), diameter of footring 41 mm (1.61 inch), weight 105 grams (3.70 ounce (oz.))
Small bowl on footring, spreading sides with an everted rim. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, green, yellow, gray black enamel and gold with a flowering prunus and chrysanthemum spray between iris and flowering wisteria plants four peony flower sprays. On the bottom a flower spray in a double concentric band in underglaze blue. Round the inner and outer rim a double concentric band in underglaze blue. Round the foot an upturned pointed leaves-pattern border in iron-red. Marked on the base with the Chinese four character mark featuring zhi 'Da Ming nian zhi', made during the Great Ming Dynasty. (Davison 1994, cat. 852)
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, p.191)
The Chinese marks only showing the dynasty (Ming) but not the name of the reign (e.g. Wanli) is not often seen (normally the Emperor’s reign is more significant). However they were found among the provincial wares for during few eras, such as Zhengde, Wanli, Tianqi, and Chongzhen. I think it is possible that they meant to avoid offending the government by not quoting the name of Emperor on commercial ware. (I am indebted to Mr. S. Fan for this information)
For other similarly decorated objects please see:
-
Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Object 2012354.
-
Japanese wares with Western Shapes or Designs 1653-1800 - Page 2 - Object 2011632.
- Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), pp.195-196.
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Impey 2002, p.191 & pp.195-195
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012346
Bowl
Japan
1700-1720
Height 98 mm (3.86 inch), diameter of rim 222 mm (8.74 inch), diameter of footring 109 mm (4.29 inch), weight 901 grams (31.78 ounce (oz.))
Octagonal bowl on footring, spreading sides, everted rim, the edge upturned with indented corners. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, green, turquoise, yellow and gold. In the centre a roundel with a maple tree growing from rockwork near a fence with scattered flower heads floating in a pond. Round the rim reverse decorated pomegranates in iron-red on an underglaze blue ground with a diaper pattern in gold alternating with flower sprays tied with a knotted string. The outside with eight panels alternately filled with flowering plants growing from rockwork near a fence, a roundel filled with a banded hedge and flowering chrysanthemum and grasses reserved on an underglaze blue ground with a diaper pattern in gold, two copulating peacocks on a branch of a maple tree and a roundel filled with a geometrical/swastika pattern reserved on an underglaze blue ground with a diaper pattern in gold. Round the rim a border with upturned pointed leaves. Near the footring a wave pattern border. Round the foot a wavy scroll pattern border. On the base a two characters (shop/painter mark?) in iron-red in a double circle in underglaze blue and the remains of two rectangular paper labels.
A classical piece of Imari. The use of light green and turquoise enamels is characteristic of good quality Imari of the early 18th century. The border division is a remnant of the kraak-style period, re-interpreted and used in a different way. (Jörg 2003/1, p.118)
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.201, cat. 331.
- Fine & Curious. Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.118, cat. 127.
- Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.248, cat. 1922.
Condition: Two firing flaws and three tiny spots with loss of enamel.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012576
Bowl with cover and saucer
Japan
1700-1720
Saucer: height 40 mm (1.57 inch), diameter of rim 181 mm (7.13 inch), diameter of footring 84 mm (3.31 inch), weight 330 grams (11.64 ounce (oz.))
Bowl (without cover): height 73 mm (2.87 inch), diameter of rim 115 mm (4.53 inch), diameter of footring 50 mm (1.97 inch), weight 220 grams (7.76 ounce (oz.))
Cover: height 30 mm (1.18 inch), diameter of rim 124 mm (4.88 inch), diameter of ringknob 40 mm (1.57 inch), weight 126 grams (4.44 ounce (oz.))
Ribbed bowl on footring, steep sides, lobed rim. With matching saucer on footring, the cover (with a ring) fitting over the rim of the bowl. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold. Bowl and saucer with a band of various flowering plants in red and gold divided by formal peony heads in underglaze blue, above a band of lotus-petal shaped panels alternately drawn in blue and filled with a formal flower, or painted red and filled with a single leaf, or similarly in pale red. Inside the bowl a central medallion with a flower spray, the reverse of the saucer with three flowering sprigs. The cover with two concentric rows of similarly painted petals, the reverse of the cover with a kiku-flower.
Such bowls may have been used in The Netherlands to serve hot food, the cover keeping it warm. The lotus panels and the stylized peony in blue may have been derived from Chinese Kangxi porcelain with such patterns. Complete sets consisting of a bowl, cover and saucer are rare. The cover is an original that fits over the bowl, as the cover of the chocolate cup, cat. 257, or is taken from a larger example. (Jörg 2003/1, p.110, cat.114)
For an identically shaped, sized and decorated bowl with cover and dish, please see:
- Fine & Curious. Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.110, cat. 114.
Condition: A firing flaw to the footring of the bowl.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2011690
Bowl
Japan
1700-1720
Height 117 mm (4.60 inch), diameter of rim 262 mm (10.32 inch), diameter of footring 114 mm (4.49 inch), weight 1.515 grams (53.44 ounce (oz.))
A large lobbed bowl of deep chrysanthemum form on footring with fluted sides and a scalloped rim. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron red, various overglaze enamels and gold with a central design of the chrysanthemum crest (kiku no mon) on the sides two large branches of pine with exotic flowers, the outside with branches of pine, bamboo and exotic flowers issuing from rockwork. Round the footring a spiral (clouds) pattern border. Marked on the base with a flowering prunus spray.
The Three Friend (shõ-chiku-bai) design originated in China. It is the combination of pine, bamboo and prunus, symbolically representing Confucius, Buddha and Lao Tse. Once the 'three friends' were standing around a jar containing vinegar. Each of them tasted the liquid. Lao Tse, the gentle, called it sweet, Buddha, the meditator, called it bitter and Confucius called it sour. But they eventually agreed that it was all the same liquid. This legend represents the idea that the three 'religions' originated from the same source. The 'friendship' of the three trees is further suggested by the property they have in common of strength during hard times. The bamboo bends with the wind but never breaks, the prunus flowers even when there is still snow and the pine is an evergreen. Together they symbolically represent long life and happiness. (Arts 1983, p.140)
During the Tokugawa (or Edo) Period 1603-1868 the use of the sixteen petalled chrysanthemum was, in Japan, kept exclusively for the Emperor and not to be used by the public in general. (Gorham 1971. p. 187)
Imari porcelain, like classic polychrome Kakiemon, emerged from early enamelled ware and is a typical export product with many different Western shapes and a huge variety of motifs and patterns, sometimes copied from Western models. The general appearance of Imari is less light and refined than Kakiemon, but their compact compositions and dense patterns appealed to the Dutch and other Europeans in the Baroque period. (Impey, Jörg & Mason 2009, pp.52-53)
For similarly decorated objects, please see;
- Ko-Imari from the collection of Oliver Impey, (Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 1997), pp. 194-195, cat. 113.
- Mistrovská dĩla Japonského porcelánu / Masterpieces of Japanese Porcelain, (F. Suchomel, Prague 1997), p.109, cat. 104.
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Impey, Jörg & Mason 2009, pp.52-53
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2011605
Bowl
Japan
1700-1720
Height 95 mm (3.74 inch), diameter of rim 190 mm (7.48 inch), diameter of footring 79 mm (3.11 inch), weight 592 grams (20.88 ounce (oz.))
Lobbed bowl on footring, scalloped rim. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron red, green, turquoise, aubergine, yellow and gold. The central lobbed panel with a prunus spray. The sides with flowering chrysanthemums, single kiku-flowers and branches of lespedeza flowers. One chrysanthemum and the kiku-fllowers are moulded in low relief. The outside is divided into four panels with double cherry blossoms and four two-sided panels, one side with foliate scrolls in gold on a dark blue ground, the other with a blossoming prunus tree. The two sides connected by a roundel showing a violet with long leaves. (Jörg 2003/1, p.100)
This bowl can be considered a good example of elaborate Imari with raised motifs. The scalloped rim of this bowl is meant to resemble a kiku-flower, a shape mirrored in the decoration. A similar bowl is in the Shibata Collection. (Jörg 2003/1, p.112)
This pattern was copied in China and in many European porcelain factories, including Chelsea and Worcester. For a Chelsea copy, see Porcelain for Palaces, no. 345. There are Chelsea and Worcester copies in the Marshall Collection, nos 190,191. (Impey 2002, p.189)
For an identically shaped and decorated bowl, please see:
- Japanese Porcelain, (S. Jenyns, Faber & Faber, London / Boston, 1979), cat. 47a.
- Fine & Curious. Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.100, cat. 100.
- The Shibata Collection Part II, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu, 1991), p.254, cat. 665.
- Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection, (The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Kyushu 2003), p.359, cat. 2810.
- Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Museum number 834-1892.
- Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Museum number C.1507-1910.
For an similarly decorated bowl, please see:
- Toelichtende beschrijving van de verzameling Chineesch en Japansch porselein, Chineesch en Europeesch rood steengoed en aardewerk, aanwezig in het Groningsch Museum / Catalogue of Oriental Ceramics and European Earthenware in the Collection of the Groninger Museum, (M.A. de Visser, Groningen, 1930), cat. 51.
- De haas en de maan Arita porselein in Japan, 1620-1820 / The Hare and the Moon Arita Porcelain in Japan, 1620-1820, (M. Fitski, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam with Uitgeverij Waanders b.v., Zwolle, 2002), p.31 cat. 29.
For an identically decorated dish, please see:
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Ayers, Impey & Mallet 1990, no. 345
Victoria & Albert Museum, Museum number 834-1892
Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Museum number C.1507-1910
Price: Sold.
More pictures of object 2012031, another identically shaped, sized and decorated, sold bowl >>
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2011701
Covered box
Japan
1700-1720
Provenance: Mr D.H.J. Ninck Blok, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Height with cover 80 mm (3.15 inch), height without cover 55 mm (2.17 inch), diameter 120 mm (4.72 inch), diameter of footring 57 mm (2.24 inch), weight with cover 363 grams (12.80 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 133 grams (4.69 ounce (oz.))
Covered box on three triangular low, ruyi-shaped feet extending below a broad firing-ring on the base. Straight sides, domed cover with strap handle. Imari, decorated with in underglaze blue, iron-red, yellow, green, grey and gold. The sides and cover decorated with foliate scrolls and cherry flowers. On the inside of the cover a sprig of plum. The three low feet each with a half chrysanthemum flower head and scrolls. The strap handle with a floret between scrolls.
The shape, most likely, derived from an European (silver) model and it was used as a small tureen. Jörg describes a bowl with cover on three low feet with a matching saucer this may indicate that originally the covered box also might have had an matching saucer. (Jörg 2003/1, p.110, cat. 113)
According to the previous owner the covered box was once part of the estate of one of the Groninger borgen, these estate houses were the magnificent country seats of local nobility. They usually originated as stone houses; a simple defence work from the 14th or 15th century with thick walls where farmers could flee in times of danger. (Adelijke Trots in de Ommelanden, (E. Broekhuis ed., Groninger Borgen Stichting, Groningen, 2002)), (www.borgen.nl)
For similarly shaped covered boxes on three triangular low, ruyi-shaped flat feet please see;
- Early Japanese Porcelain: Arita Porcelain in the Dresden Collection, (F. Reichel, Londen 1981), cat. 45.
- Japanese porcelain. A collector's guide to general aspects and decorative motifs, (P.L.W. Arts, De Tijdstroom, Lochem, 1983), p.49, Plate 21.
- Oosters Porselein. Een keuze uit de verzameling van het Museum Boymans-van Beuningen / Oriental porcelain. A choice from the Boymans-van Beuningen Museum Collection, (C.J.A. Jörg, Museum Boymans-van Beuningen, Rotterdam, 1995), pp.115-116, figure 52.
- Ceramics crossed overseas. Jingdezhen, Imari and Delft from the Collection of the Groninger Museum, (C.J.A. Jörg et al., Tokyo, 1999), p.38, cat. 38.
- Imari-Porzellan am Hofe der Kaiserin Maria Theresia, exhibition catalogue (Hetjens-Museum, Düsseldorf, 2000), p.53, cat. 19 & 33.
- Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam 2003), p.104, cat. 106.
For an Arita covered box with high sides and similar low, ruyi-shaped flat feet please see;
Condition: Three firing flaws, otherwise perfect.
References:
Pietsch, Loesch & Ströber 2006, p.50
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012236
Bowl
Japan
1700-1720
Height 88 mm (3.46 inch), diameter 176 mm (6.92 inch), diameter of footring 61 mm (2.40 inch), weight 451 grams (15.91 ounce (oz.))
Bowl on footring, straight rim. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold with three panels, filled with a bird in flight above two knotted branches with a flower head alternating with leafy and flowering branches. Round the foot a floret between scrolls pattern border. On the outer and inner rim a diaper pattern border. On the inner wall three flowering branches - one of iris, one of cherry and one of prunus. On the bottom a peony flower spray in a single concentric band in underglaze blue and gold.
Condition: Two firing flaws to the base.
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012255
Covered bowl
Japan
1700-1720
Height with cover 95 mm (3.74 inch), height without cover 61 mm (2.40 inch), diameter 125 mm (4.92 inch), diameter of footring 56 mm (2.20 inch), weight with cover 337 grams (11.89 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 131 grams (4.62 ounce (oz.))
Covered bowl on footring. Straight sides, domed cover with strap handle. Imari, decorated with in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold. On the box three reserves filled with flowering peony and chrysanthemum plants and a fruiting pomegranate plant alternating with two flower heads on an underglaze blue ground with foliate sprays in gold. Round the footring a narrow border with a flower head between scrolls alternating with half flower heads between scrolls in gold on an underglaze blue ground. On the base a single concentric band in underglaze blue. The cover is decorated en suite. The strap handle is decorated in gold and iron-red with a single flower head on top.
Until around 1650, all porcelain imported to Europe comprised blue-and-whitewares. Inspired by Chinese porcelain, Japanese potters experimented with coloured enamels. The Dutch East India Company, (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC) focused on these new colourful wares as trade articles from the moment they were made. The decorations on this porcelain are frequently derived from Chinese examples. Imari decorations were among those that developed during this experimental phase.
Imari porcelain is named after the port Imari, from where porcelain was shipped to the Dutch Factory on Deshima Island in Nagasaki. Imari objects are usually decorated with exuberant and lively depictions. Besides underglaze blue, the other two dominant colours are iron-red and gold.
In 1680, Private traders replaced the Dutch East India Company, (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC) as the main trading partner in Japan. They focused on porcelain made in European shapes. The high point of this production occurred around 1700. Besides tableware, garnitures and ornamental dishes were produced, As with Chinese porcelain, enamelled objects and porcelain were very popular.
(source: Keramiek Museum Princessehof, Leeuwarden)
The shape, most likely, derived from a European (silver) model, it was used as a small tureen. Jörg describes a bowl with cover on three low feet with a matching saucer this may indicate that originally the covered box also might have had a matching saucer. (Jörg 2003/1, p.110, cat. 113)
The crackled glaze is caused by the unequal contraction of the body and the glaze during cooling in the kiln after firing. (Jörg & Van Campen 1997, p.235)
For similarly shaped covered bowls, please see;
- Ko-Imari from the collection of Oliver Impey, (Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 1997), pp. 168-169, cat. 95.
- Fine & Curious: Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, (C.J.A. Jörg, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2003), p.111, cat. 116.
Condition: Firing flaws to the cover and base and fine crazing to the glaze all caused during the firing process.
References:
Price: Sold.
Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Imari 1690-1800 - Other wares - Page 1
Object 2012234
Ewer
Japan
1700-1730
Height 147 mm (2.28 inch), diameter handle to spout 135 mm (5.31 inch), diameter 89 mm (3.50 inch), diameter of mouthrim 16 mm (0.63 inch), diameter of footring 53 mm (2.09 inch), weight 274 grams (9.67 ounce (oz.))
Oviform ewer on footring, narrowing shoulder with cylindrical neck. Curved spout and C-shaped handle. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold with flowering plants its flowers are moulded in low relief alternating with a seated figure. On the handle and spout a floret between scrolls. Round the foot a continuous flower scroll.
This special type of ewer was probably used for soy, its moulded decoration in low relief was popular for a while,and is also seen on several other export shapes.
For other objects with moulded decoration in low relief, please see:
For identically shaped and sized ewers decorated with moulded low relief, please see:
- Imari. Porcelain for European Palaces from the Freda and Ralph Lupin Collection. (L. Rotondo-McCord & P.J. Bufton, New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans 1997), p.110, cat. 90.
- The Voyage of Old-Imari Porcelains, (Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Arita 2000), p.60, cat. 96.
- Imari-Porzellan am Hofe der Kaiserin Maria Theresia, exhibition catalogue (Hetjens-Museum, Düsseldorf, 2000), p.89, cat. 65 & 66.
Condition: A restored handle.
References:
Jörg 2003/1, cat. 97, 98, 99 & 100
Price: Sold.
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Object 2012066
Bottle
Japan
1700-1720
Height 235 mm (9.25 inch), diameter 112 mm (4.41 inch), diameter of mouthrim 16 mm (0.63 inch), diameter of footring 60 mm (2.36 inch), weight 451 grams (15.91 ounce (oz.))
Pear-shaped bottle on footring, rounded body, tall narrow neck. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, and overglaze green, aubergine and black enamel, iron-red and gold with around the foot a band of lappets. The body is divided into three panels by underglaze blue bands ornamented with gold scrolling and half chrysanthemums. The panels contain prunus, pine, peony and bamboo, their trunks growing from pierced rockwork. A meander pattern border between underglaze blue lines around the base of the neck. Round the neck an ascending leaf pattern border and round the rim three descending floral scrolls.
The layout of floral or other decoration in strongly marked cartouches is remotely reminiscent of the kraak. Sets of identical bottles or vases were probably an alternative to the expensive garnitures that were placed on top of porcelain cabinets in the Dutch interior. (Impey 2002, p.185 cat. 291), (Jörg 2003/1, p.99)
For similarly decorated bottles, please see;
- Japanese Export Porcelain. Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, (O. Impey, Hotei Publishing, Amsterdam, 2002), p.185, cat. 291.
- Early Japanese Porcelain: Arita Porcelain in the Dresden Collection, (F. Reichel, Londen 1981), cat. 56.
- Imari-Porzellan am Hofe der Kaiserin Maria Theresia, exhibition catalogue (Hetjens-Museum, Düsseldorf, 2000), p.60, cat. 26.
Condition: Four firing flaws to the footring.
References:
Price: Sold.
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Object 2012193
Covered bowl
Japan
1700-1720
Height including the cover 82 mm (3.23 inch), height excluding the cover 66 mm (2.60 inch), diameter of rim bowl 112 mm (4.41 inch), diameter of footring bowl 42 mm (1.65 inch), diameter of ring knob cover 34 mm (1.34 inch), diameter of rim cover 104 mm (4.09 inch), weight bowl 137 grams (4.82 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 79 grams (2.79 ounce (oz.)).
Bowl on footring, narrow spreading rim, domed cover with ring knob. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, green, aubergine and black enamel and gold with three groups of pine and blossoming prunus trees. Near the footring a band with a continuous flowering scroll. Inside the bowl and cover tree scattered flower heads. The cover is decorated en suite.
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A similar shaped, sized and decorated covered bowl incised with the Johanneum mark 'N=56' and signum '+' proving it was once part of the collection of Augustus the Strong. (from an English private collection this covered bowl is not included in this sale /offer).
Condition: Firing flaws to the base and inner footring.
Price: Sold.
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Object 2012565
Bowl
Japan
1700-1720
Height 60 mm (2.36 inch), diameter 109 mm (4.29 inch), diameter of footring 45 mm (1.77 inch), weight 181 grams (6.38 ounce (oz.))
Bowl on footring, straight rim. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, green, aubergine, yellow, and black enamel, and gold with, flowering chrysanthemum plants growing from rockwork with bounded hedges alternating with flowering peony plants with grasses growing from pierced rockwork.
This bowl highlights the virtuosity of the porcelain producer, who used various decorative techniques in different media for which three kiln firings were needed. It is a good example of underglaze blue very fine enamelled ware that was part of the export assortment in the early 18th century. The elements of the decoration (flowering chrysanthemum and peony) have become standardised, but are still well painted, drawn and superbly outlined in gold.
Condition: Perfect.
Price: Sold.
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Object 2012549A
Bowl
Japan
1700-1720
Height of bowl 116 mm (1.65 inch), diameter of rim 220 mm (2.56 inch), diameter of footring 85 mm (1.29 inch), weight 963 gram (33.97 ounce (oz.))
Lobbed bowl on footring, scalloped rim. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron red, green, turquoise, aubergine, yellow and gold. In the centre a camellia [tsubaki] (Camellia japonica) flowerspray in a double circle in underglaze blue. The sides with two groups of flowering chrysanthemums, bush clover [hagi] (Lespedeza bicolor), and single kiku-flowers the latter in low relief. On the outside two half kiku-flower motifs in brocade style alternating with groups of flowering chrysanthemums and bush clover [hagi] (Lespedeza bicolor). Round the foot an upturned spiky lotus leaves-pattern border and on the foot a silk-worm pattern border.
Although some types of chrysanthemums [kiku] begin flowering in the summer, the chrysanthemum is primarily an indication of autumn. Despite the chrysanthemum's status as a symbol of the Japanese imperial house, this meaning is only relevant when a 'sixteen'-fold double chrysanthemum', the stylized family crest (mon), is placed prominently and singly on an object. (Fitski 2011, p.149)
Bush clover [hagi] (Lespedeza bicolor) with its leafy stalk ending in purple flowers, albeit mostly as a rather small and unremarkable motif. (Fitski 2011, p.148)
The Camellia [tsubaki] (Camellia japonica) of the yamatsubaki type is one of the three variants endemic to Japan, which flower in southernly situated Arita in winter and very early Spring. Together with Prunus mume [ume] which symbolize purity and renewal in Japan, it primarily heralds the coming of spring. (Fitski 2011, p.148)
The half kiku-flower petals are all formed from underglaze blue, five completely blue with only overglaze gilding, the reminder outlined and overglazed in iron-red and gold, or yellow and black enamel with geometric and floral patterns, it is a common motif and was probably derived from embroidered Japanese textiles. (Jörg 2003/1, p.111)
This bowl can be considered a good example of elaborate Imari with raised motifs. The scalloped rim of this bowl is meant to resemble a kiku-flower, a shape mirrored in the decoration. A similar bowl is in the Shibata Collection. (Jörg 2003/1, p.112)
Condition: A professionally restored re-stuck piece to the rim.
References:
Price: Sold.
Object 2012380
Bottle
Japan
1700-1725
Height 245 mm (9.65 inch), diameter 119 mm (4.69 inch), diameter of mouthrim 18 mm (0.71 inch), diameter of footring 70 mm (2.76 inch), weight 474 grams (16.72 ounce (oz.))
Pear-shaped bottle on footring, rounded body, tall narrow neck. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, and overglaze iron-red and gold with three roundels filled with various flowering plants on an underglaze blue ground of swirling snowflakes alternating with birds in flight. Round the foot a lappets-pattern border and round the shoulder three connected leaves alternating with flower heads. Round the rim three descending floral scrolls.
Sets of identical bottles or vases were probably an alternative to the expensive garnitures that were placed on top of porcelain cabinets in the Dutch interior. (Jörg 2003/1, p.99)
There are two identically shaped, sized and decorated bottles in the collection of the Dutch Castle Duivenvoorde, to see this set please click here.
This unusual and rare design with the swirling snowflakes can also be seen on a vase in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum, for this vase please see:
Condition: Perfect, with some fine crazing to the glaze to on the base and round the foot.
References:
Price: Sold.
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Object 2011372
Bowl
Japan
1700-1730
Height 77 mm (3.03 inch), diameter of rim 146 mm (5.75 inch), diameter of footring 53 mm (2.09 inch), weight 305 grams (10.76 ounce (oz.))
Bowl on footring, spreading straight rim. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold with flowering plants and a white hare running from foaming waves. Round the foot a band of floral sprays. On the bottom a single flower spray in a double concentric band.
This particular hare pattern is known on bowls, teacups and saucers and a rare milk jug, indicating that tea sets with matching parts were made for export.
The hare (usagi) is associated with the moon and old age. Legends says that the female conceives by running on the waves – represented by the curved underglaze blue lines - on the 18th day of the 8th month when the sky is clear and the moon is reflected in the water. The female can also conceive by licking the fur of the male during the same period or simply by gazing at the moon.
Another version of the legend tells of a white hare on the island of Oki who wanted to go to the mainland. As he could not swim, he cunningly asked a number of crocodiles to line up in the water, under the pretence of counting them, to see if there were more crocodiles in the sea than hares on Oki. He had almost reached the shore by jumping across their backs, when the last crocodile saw through his deception and snapped off all his fur before the hare leapt ashore. (Arts 1983, pp.113-114, p.143, plate 89), (Piggott 1997, pp.109-110), (Fitski 2002, p.6), (Jörg 2003/1, pp.117-118), (Fitski 2011, p158)
Yet another account says that the crocodiles ran after him and snapped his white fur to take revenge because he had laughed at them for their stupidity. After the hare repented and promised never to use deceit again, the fairy Okuni-nushi-no-Mikoto helped him regrow his fur.
For an identically shaped and decorated bowl, please see:
For other identically decorated objects, please see:
Condition: Perfect.
References:
Arts 1983, pp.113-114 & p.143, plate 89
Jörg 2003/1, cat. 126, 247 & 247a
Price: Sold.
More picturess of object 2011559, another identically shaped, sized and decorated, sold bowl >>
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More picturess of object 2012112, another identically shaped, sized and decorated, sold bowl >>
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Object 2012422
Bowl
Japan
1700-1730
Height 85 mm (3.35 inch), diameter of rim 165 mm (6.50 inch), diameter of footring 72 mm (2.83 inch), weight 453 grams (15.98 ounce (oz.))
Bowl on footring, spreading sides with an everted rim. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, green, black enamel and gold with a continuous flowering prunus and bamboo scroll. Round the foot an upturned pointed leaves-pattern border in iron-red. On the foot a double and on the base a single concentric band. On the bottom a flower spray in a double concentric band. Round the inner rim four reserves filled with flower heads reserved on wavy pattern ground in iron-red and gold.
A classical bowl and a good example of the mature Imari style with a characteristic dense but well painted desgn.
Condition: Some wear to the iron-red and golden decoration and a fleabite to the footring.
Price: Sold.
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Object 2010727
Ewer
Japan
1710-1730
Height 168 mm (6.61 inch), diameter 92 mm (3.62 inch), diameter of mouthrim 28 mm (1.10 inch), diameter of footring 54 mm (2.13 inch), weight 294 grams (10.73 ounce (oz.))
Oviform ewer on footring, Tall neck, the mouth with a pinched spout. Curved handle which is not pierced. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold with two panels filled with flowering chrysanthemum and irises growing from behind a fence alternating with flower heads and foliate scrolls in iron-red and gold reserved on a dark blue ground. Round the footing a pointed leaves-pattern border. Round the shoulder a fence alternating with a flower head and leafy scrolls. On the handle a floret between scrolls.
The shape of this ewer is common in the export assortment, but an unusual feature is that the handle is not pierced which is nearly always the case with such ewers.
For other identically decorated objects, please see:
Condition: Some firing flaws to the rim.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
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Object 2012361
Bowl
Japan
1710-1730
Height 70 mm (2.76 inch), diameter of rim 139 mm (5.47 inch), diameter of footring 59 mm (2.32 inch), weight 213 grams (7.51 ounce (oz.))
Bowl on footring, spreading sides. Imari decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold with three kidney-shaped panels reserved on a dark blue ground filled with flowering plants and birds. The panels are flanked by three flowerheads on a dark blue ground with leafy scrolls in gold. On the bottom a single flower spray.
This bowl, was probably once part of a coffee or tea service and would have been used as a rinse bowl. For other parts of this service please see the 'More pictures >>'.
Condition: A fleabite to the rim.
Price: Sold.
More pictures of object 2011386 another identically shaped, sized and decorated, sold teapot >>
More pictures of object 2010346 another identically shaped, sized and decorated, sold teapot >>
More pictures of object 2010298 an identically decorated, sold tea caddy >>
More pictures of object 2011426 an identically decorated, sold tea caddy >>
More pictures of object 2010325 an identically decorated, sold sugar bowl >>
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Object 2011464
Small vase
Japan
c.1730
Height 38 mm (1.49 inch), diameter of rim 197 mm (7.76 inch), diameter of footring 135 mm (5.31 inch), weight 431 grams (15.20 ounce (oz.))
Small vase on footring. Globular body with a short central narrowing neck which flares at the base and top. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, gold and green, yellow and black enamel with grasses, rocks, various groups of flowering plants and a bird in flight. On the inner rim florets between scrolls.
Condition: A restored rim with a connected hairline.
Price: Sold.
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Objects 2012391, 2012392, 2012393, 2012394 & 2012194
A set of five bowls
Japan
1750-1770
2012391: Height 74 mm (2.91 inch), diameter 149 mm (5.87 inch), diameter of footring 55 mm (2.17 inch), weight 282 grams (9.95 ounce (oz.))
2012392: Height 75 mm (2.95 inch), diameter 145 mm (5.71 inch), diameter of footring 53 mm (2.09 inch), weight 262 grams (9.24 ounce (oz.))
2012393: Height 74 mm (2.91 inch), diameter 150 mm (5.91 inch), diameter of footring 53 mm (2.09 inch), weight 279 grams (9.84 ounce (oz.))
2012394: Height 76 mm (2.99 inch), diameter 148 mm (5.83 inch), diameter of footring 54 mm (2.13 inch), weight 283 grams (9.98 ounce (oz.))
2012194: Height 74 mm (2.91 inch), diameter 152 mm (5.98 inch), diameter of footring 54 mm (2.13 inch), weight 308 grams (10.86 ounce (oz.))
Five bowls on footrings, straight sides. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold with flowering peony plants alternating with lozenge shaped panels filled with flower sprays. Round the foot a stylised waves pattern border. On the outer and inner rim a single line. On the bottom a flowering peony growing from behind an fence.
Underglaze blue objects were ready after one firing. Enamelled, 'coloured' wares had to be fired a second time in a 'muffle' kiln at a lower temperature of about 800° degrees Celsius. Enamels were made of a powdered mixture of glaze and mineral oxides, copper being used for green, iron for red, and iron or antimony for yellow. Suspended in a binding agent such as vegetable oil, they were painted onto the glaze of a single-fired piece, which was fired a second time once the enamel decoration had dried. The lower temperature is required because enamels 'cook', 'burn' and are wasted when high-fired. Gold and silver require a third firing at an even lower temperature of about 600° degrees Celsius. (Jörg 2003/1, p.15)
This rare set of five identically shapes, sized and decorated bowls is a good example of later Japanese export ware, which is surprisingly rare in Dutch collections.
Condition:
2012391: Perfect.
2012392: Perfect.
2012393: A firing flaw to the footring.
2012394: Two firing flaws, a frit to the footring and a chip to the inner rim.
2012194: Perfect.
Reference:
Price: Sold.
More pictures of object 2012391 >>
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Object 2010543
Large bowl
Japan
c.1800
Height 115 mm (4.53 inch), diameter of rim 250 mm (9.84 inch), diameter of footring 113 mm (4.45 inch), weight 1.702 grams (60.04 ounce (oz.))
Large bowl on footring, steep sides and straight rim. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, various overglaze enamels and gold. Near the footring a border design as copied from Chinese Transitional porcelain and on the outer footring a spiral pattern border. On the exterior wall a continuous decoration of houses with figures sitting on a terrace, riverscapes with mountains, clouds, trees, sailing boats, bridges and figures. On the rim a trellis pattern border with four cartouches filled with leaves. On the bottom a totally faded and worn off decoration of a sailing ship surrounded by a trellis pattern border with four cartouches filled with leaves. On the inner wall a decoration of houses with figures sitting on a terrace, riverscapes with mountains, clouds, trees, sailing boats, bridges and figures. Round the interior rim a trellis pattern border with four cartouches filled with leaves. On the base a single flowering spray.
Condition: Two restored small chips and a firing flaw to the rim.
Price: Sold.
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