17th Century Blue and White Arita Porcelain Jar

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A beautiful blue and white porcelain jar fired ~1620  to 1630s

This heavily potted jar features a geometric, triangular diaper pattern about the collar, resting above a ring of flowers, leaves, and tendrils scrolling around the shoulder. The pot is beautifully decorated in underglaze blue stylized flowers evoking chrysanthemums seated in sprays of leaves and lotuses floating above the water, anchored by their muddy roots.  Flowing, arabesque tendrils create horizontal balance to the strong verticality of the flowers; the strong upper tendril line and the delicate lower watery line seem to predict the shaped panels that will become a primary feature of future Imari jars. 

This porcelain is superbly well preserved without cracks or traces of restoration; there are two small chips in the foot.  High quality craftsmanship with some small defects that make this pot unique - the bottom is not uniform, multitude of small brown marks included in the porcelain, and a small kiln adhesion.

D: 18 cm

H: 22 cm 

A beautiful blue and white Arita dish fired ~1640 to 1650.  

This aoi-gata (hollyhock shape) dish features a straight, Kuchibeni (lipstick) iron oxide rim above a cavetto with 4 cartouches in a geometric diaper design.  Each cartouche contains 3 solid lines, which, in the Bäguà Trigrams, signifies Quián or Heaven.  In the center, a mythical Hō-ō bird reaches to a branch with peaches.  This small dish conveys good fortune and longevity (Hō-ō) with the beauty and abundance of the peach surrounded the creative natural force of heaven (Quián).  The shape of the plate evokes the metal sword guards used since ancient times.  On the reverse are 4 small artemisia leaves, symbols of healing and health, and, also, one of the Daoist "Eight Precious Objects"; within the foot ring is a "Da Ming" mark.

The 1640's were a period of transition from the Shoki Imari to Ai-Kutani - typical pates in blue and white with this pattern are considered early Imari where these formed plates are considered Ai-Kutani.

This dish is in remarkable condition; there are no obvious flaws or signs of repair.  The brown edge is free of nicks or nibbles.  The glaze is clear and lustrous and finely crazed.  There is some staining.  There are a few iron spots as are to be expected.

D:  13.2 cm

H:    2.7 cm

A beautiful blue and white Arita dish fired ~1640 to 1650.  

This aoi-gata (hollyhock shape) dish features a straight, Kuchibeni (lipstick) iron oxide rim above a cavetto with 4 cartouches in a geometric diaper design.  Each cartouche contains a karakusa (scrolling vine).  The strong vitality of vines that trail onto the ground was highly valued, and the pattern eventually came to be designed even alongside plants with no vines such as pines, chrysanthemums and plums, as is the case here on the reverse.  At the center of the plate is a balance of positive and negative space with an empty cloud-like shape overlapping and contrasting with the geometric diaper ground.  To the lower left is a spiral flower Mon within a circular border.  The shape of the plate evokes the metal sword guards used since ancient times.  On the reverse are 4 sprays of karakusa, each with a central chrysanthemum.   On the outer edge of the foot ring are two centric rings; within the foot ring is a double circle and a Fuku (luck) mark at the center.

The 1640's were a period of transition from the Shoki Imari to Ai-Kutani - typical pates in blue and white with this pattern are considered early Imari where these formed plates are consideredAi-Kutani.

D:  13.1 cm

H:    2.8 cm

A beautiful blue and white Ai-Kakiemon dish fired ~1670 to 1690

A beautifully painted late 17th century Japanese blue and white porcelain dish, Kakiemon or Arita kilns.   This thickly potted, flower-shaped, porcelain dish is painted with two Hō-ō birds in nature, one of the most revered and holy Japanese animals representing fidelity, longevity, and wisdom.  The one looking back to the other signifying long marriage.  One is perched on a rock amid roses.  Look closely to see how its left talon grasps the rock and how its tail splits between the branches.  The other circles above with tail fully trailing, with an intent gaze on its mate.  The comb of the seated bird anchors the whorl of negative space which activates the scene.   The cobalt underglaze painting is technically superb and beautifully rendered.  The rim is dressed with kuchibeni (lipstick) iron-oxide glaze. The reverse with painted karakusa (scrolling foliage) and a running fuku mark (luck). There is a single spur mark.

The dish is in superb condition with no damage or repair.  At 24 cm, it is an impressive item for display. 

A similar dish is in the Shibata Collection | Kyushu Ceramic Museum, catalogue #2053

D: 24 cm

H: 3.4 cm 

A beautiful blue and white Ai-Kakiemon dish fired ~1670 to 1690

A beautifully painted late 17th century Japanese blue and white porcelain dish, Kakiemon or Arita kilns.   The thickly potted porcelain dish is painted with 5 deer in a woodland scene amid pines and falling autumn leaves.  In the upper right, Greek key shaped lightning bolts issue from thunder clouds to surprise and shock the deer.  Look closely, none have their hooves on the ground - they are all mid-jump, contorted and springing in their surprise.  The composition is one of movement from upper right to the small open space in front of the pines on the left.  The rolling hills at the bottom of the scene further animate the jumping deer as the autumn leaves drift in the wind -  a natural scene upset by lightning and put in motion.  The cobalt underglaze painting is technically superb and beautifully rendered.  The rim is dressed with kuchibeni (lipstick) iron-oxide glaze. The reverse with painted karakusa (scrolling foliage) and two concentric rings.  There are three spur marks on the base.

Condition is outstanding. No chips. No frits on  rim. No hairlines. Some iron spots and glaze imperfections as to be expected.

A similar dish is in the Shibata Collection | Kyushu Ceramic Museum, catalogue #2060

D: 22 cm

H: 3.4 cm 

A beautiful blue and white Ai-Kakiemon dish fired ~1670 to 1690

A finely painted late 17th century blue and white porcelain dish, Japanese, Kakiemon or Arita kilns.   The thickly potted decagonal porcelain dish has a balanced, asymmetrical design that is the hallmark of the Kakiemon style.  A mythical Shishi brings power and protection, descending on the left to a domestic garden scene with shibagaki  (banded hedges or brushwood fencing) that encloses and protects.  There is a low bamboo rod delineating the edge while supporting young plants. The primary focus of the composition is the peony plant that has sprouted from the shibagaki, thriving and growing upward on the right - offering the feminine compliment to the Shishi lion.  The whole scene is one of abundance, good fortune, beauty, and courage.  

The cobalt underglaze painting is technically superb and beautifully rendered, lending incredible dimension and detail.  The rim is dressed with kuchibeni (lipstick) iron-oxide glaze. The reverse with painted karakusa (scrolling foliage) and concentric rings on the reverse and also on the side elevation of the foot rim.  There is a single spur mark on the base.

The dish is in outstanding condition with no damage or evidence of repair.  There are some kiln burns and glaze imperfections as are to be expected.

A similar dish is in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam 

D: 22 cm

H: 3.4 cm