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Bowl

About 1670-1690

Japan, Saga Prefecture

Porcelain painted with overglaze enamels, with traces of gold (Arita ware, Kakiemon style)

H. 5 1/2 x Diam. 13 3/4 in. (14 x 34.9 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.236

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 interior of this large bowl is decorated with the Three Friends of Winter, a Chinese motif consisting of pine, bamboo, and plum trees, which symbolizes the integrity of the scholar-gentlemen and the imminent arrival of spring. The plants, arranged in a circular composition, are accompanied by flying birds. On the interior is painted a swirling pattern of a peony arabesque. Kakiemon-style enameled porcelain, like this dish, was manufactured at kilns in Arita, mostly for export to Europe and other parts of Asia. The delicately executed images and the bright color palette, as exemplified by this piece, are the primary features of the Kakiemon style.