Nabeshima ware dish in seven-sun size

Clay: fine white porcelain.
Glaze: transparent.
Decoration: Underglaze blue and overglaze enamel colors; Outside three shippo ([Jpn] “seven jewel”) groups, comb pattern on foot. Inside rocks and peonies in center, nyoi ([Jpn], priest’s scepter) on rim.

Historical period(s)
Meiji or Taisho era, 1868-1926
Medium
Porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze, enamels over glaze
Style
Arita ware, Nabeshima type
Dimensions
H x W: 5.7 x 20.6 cm (2 1/4 x 8 1/8 in)
Geography
Japan, Saga prefecture, Imari
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1968.58
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Vessel
Type

Dish

Keywords
Arita ware, Nabeshima type, Japan, Meiji era (1868 - 1912), porcelain, priest, Taisho era (1912 - 1926)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Clay: fine white porcelain.
Glaze: transparent.
Decoration: Underglaze blue and overglaze enamel colors; Outside three shippo ([Jpn] "seven jewel") groups, comb pattern on foot. Inside rocks and peonies in center, nyoi ([Jpn], priest's scepter) on rim.

Label

Produced exclusively for use of the Nabeshima clan, within whose domain the porcelain center of Arita lay, Nabeshima ware was exquisitely executed. The shapes and designs were related to Japanese-style modes of painting and textiles. The motif on this dish derives from Chinese bird and flower painting.  Originally one of a set of five or multiples thereof, the dish would have been used in the service for a formal meal.

Published References
  • Oriental Ceramics: The World's Great Collections. 12 vols., Tokyo. vol. 10, pl. 68.
  • Japanese Ceramics from Past to Present. Hong Kong, June 1983. p. 57.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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