Arita ware jar

Jar; large white porcelain.
Clay: moderately coarse white porcelain.
Glaze: white with slight crackle in some areas.
Decoration: stylized vertical floral sprays around sides; broad band of takokarakusa with lotus blossoms on shoulder in red, green, blue and yellow overglaze enamels.

One of a pair with F1970.21.

Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1660-1680
Medium
Porcelain with enamels over colorless glaze
Style
Arita ware, early enamel type
Dimensions
H x W: 36.4 x 26.6 cm (14 5/16 x 10 1/2 in)
Geography
Japan, Saga prefecture, Arita
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1970.20
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Vessel
Type

Jar

Keywords
Arita ware, early enamel type, Edo period (1615 - 1868), flower, Japan, lotus, porcelain
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Jar; large white porcelain.
Clay: moderately coarse white porcelain.
Glaze: white with slight crackle in some areas.
Decoration: stylized vertical floral sprays around sides; broad band of takokarakusa with lotus blossoms on shoulder in red, green, blue and yellow overglaze enamels.

One of a pair with F1970.21.

Label

With tulips included in the formal floral panels, this large jar was made to delight European taste. The color scheme of green, yellow, red, and blue enamels characterizes Kakiemon ware, which was made largely for the European market. Formerly topped with a matching domed lid, this jar might have stood in the "porcelain room" of a wealthly collector. In accordance with the practice of European collectors, the jar is said to have been fitted with ormolu (gilded brass) mounts. This jar is one of a pair owned by the same English family, reflecting the Chinese-inspired fashion for displaying porcelain vessels in pairs.

Published References
  • Jayne Shatz. Japanese Overglaze Enameled Porcelains:The Journey from Tradition to a Contemporary Palette. .
  • Zaigai Nihon no Shiho [Japanese Art: Selections from Western Collections]. 10 vols., Tokyo, 1979 - 1980. vol. 9: pl. 52.
  • Yabe Yoshiaki. Imari. Tokyo. pl. 10.
  • Oriental Ceramics: The World's Great Collections. 12 vols., Tokyo. vol. 10, pl. 66.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use

Related Objects