A Ming Dynasty ko-sometsuke deep dish energetically painted with a pair of galloping horses, a fort and flagpole in the distance beneath a moonlit landscape, unglazed base
 
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Ko-sometsuke (Old Blue-and-White) made for the Japanese market
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianqi / Chongzhen period (1621-1644)
 
Measurements
14.0 cm diameter; 4.0 cm high
 
Description
Boldly painted in underglaze cobalt blue with a moonlit scene depicting a pair of horses galloping across a foreground indicated by a clump of grass, a hill and fort with flagpole in the distance. Notably, the footrim and base of the dish unglazed - Julia Curtis notes in her 2006 publication Trade, Taste & Transformation: Jingdezhen Porcelain for Japan 1620-1645 (China Institute) "both the foot and the slightly convex bottom are unglazed; it is highly unusual not to have a glazed bottom. The foot is hastily beveled, and coarse kiln grit adheres to the foot and the glaze outside the foot." (p.78). Curtis also refers to the symbolism of the pair of horses "emblematic of speed and endurance and also symbolizing strength and courage. In the Shinto religion of Japan, the horse was able to carry messages between heaven and earth" (p.78).
 
Ko-sometsuke
Ko-sometsuke, meaning "Old Blue and White" is the term used to describe Chinese blue and white porcelain made for the Japanese market during the late Ming Dynasty. Ko-sometsuke wares were produced from the Wanli period (1573-1620) to the Chongzhen period (1628-1644), with the height of production being within the Tianqi period (1621-27). The objects produced were made specifically for the Japanese market, with the shapes and the designs being tailored to the Japanese taste. The shapes created were often expressly made for the Japanese Kaiseki (Tea Ceremony meal) and included mukozuke (small food dishes), kōro (incense burners), and kōgō (small incense containers).
 
Condition
In good original condition with a minor kiln flaw to the edge of the rim with small associated hairline extending from the rim. Expected mushikui to rim. Sand and kiln grit to the footrim.