BOWL 

Bowl

Japan, Edo period, Kan’ei Era (1624-1644) – Kambun Era (1661-1673)

Produced in Arita

Porcelain finished in glazed Kakiemon enamels,

Alt. 5.3 cm, diam. 10.6 cm (rim), 3.4 cm (base)

FO/0546

Bowl with its inner surface in calotte over a slightly outwardly raised base, in white, fine and translucent porcelain finished in a colourless glaze, except on the extremity of the base.

The piece is painted in enamels displaying the Kakiemon palette – rust-red, blue, bluish green, yellow, black and gold – depicting a feminine figure with long black hair flowing down her back, dressed in an elaborate kimono, sat looking at the moon next to a pavilion and a tree within and fruit tree branches, two corollas and a button portrayed on the outer side.

The earliest ceramics produced in Arita were in blue and glaze finished, with the cobalt pigment imported. With the aid of Chinese specialists, the Japanese began to produce porcelain with the decorative designs applied over the glaze between 1640 and 1646.