An Ai-Kakiemon oval dish marvelously painted with Dragon & Pearl design, the vertical rim edged in fuchi-beni and highlighted with sumi-hajiki (ink repel technique) raised on a high foot, Nangawara Kakiemon Kiln B 
 
Ai-Kakiemon type, Nangawara Kakiemon Kiln B, Arita ware, Hizen province, Japan
Edo Period (mid-17th century), Enpō period
circa 1670-80
 
Description:
A magnificent example of the technical and artistic perfection of the Prime Period blue and white Kakiemon, this gorgeous oval tray features the Cloud Dragon chasing the Flaming Pearl design, with the Dragon's undulating tail and body twisting up from crashing waves into the swirling clouds of the Heavens, his extended claw reaching out for the precious Flaming Pearl. The sharply moulded sides lavishly painted with dripping sumi-hajiki (ink-repel technique).
 
An identical dish titled as "The Waving Dragon Design Medium Plate" is illustrated in Kazuo Seki's Beauty of Prime Period Imari: selected works of under-glazed blue porcelain (Tokyo 1990), catalogue number 98, p.44 and p.84.
 
With a Japanese wood storage box and ribbon tie.
 
Measurements:
23.5cm long; 17.7cm wide; 3.5 cm high
 
Condition report:
In prisitine original condition.