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Covered Bowl

About 1670-1690

Japan, Saga Prefecture

Porcelain painted with underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze enamels (Arita ware, Kakiemon style)

H. 14 3/8 including cover x Diam. 12 in. (36.5 x 30.5 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.234a,b

Provenance

John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from K.J. Hewett, London, England, August 1964.

The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.

Licensing inquiries

The bright, multicolored enamels as well as the decorative motifs and composition of this large bowl-and-cover ensemble represent typical Kakiemon style. The lighter palette of overglaze enamels as seen on this piece is one of the main features distinguishing the Kakiemon-style porcelain from other Imari wares. On both the deep bowl and its cover are painted two similar compositions of a pair of birds on gnarly rocks surrounded by flowering plants -- the variation appears in the blossoms, chrysanthemum in one composition and peonies in the other. The miniature Chinese lion knob atop the cover is adapted from porcelain of Ming China. Kakiemon porcelain was exported to European countries other than Holland (which had its own trading company) by Chinese merchants.