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Dish with design of fern and rhododendron leaves

Early 18th century

Japan, Saga Prefecture

Porcelain painted with underglaze cobalt and overglaze enamels (Arita ware, Nabeshima type)

H. 1 1/2 x Diam. 5 3/16 in. (3.8 x 13.2 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Gift of Richard Oldenburg in honor of Mrs. Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller, 2015.10

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The designs on Nabeshima wares were applied with inked transfer patterns. In this technique, designs that appear drawn were inked and applied to the body of the ceramic, leaving behind a faint outline. The outline was traced in cobalt blue before the ceramic was dipped in glaze and fired. Enamels were added after this firing and the piece was re-fired at a lower temperature.