A Very Fine and Early Ai-Kutani moulded porcelain small dish (mame-sara) in the form of three young pine branches, painted in sumptuous cobalt blue tones with highlights picked out using ink-repel technique (sumi hajiki)
 
Ai-Kutani type, Arita, Hizen province, Japan
early Edo period, circa 1650-1660
 
Extremely finely and delicately moulded three-tiered pine branch form on a high foot, gorgeously painted in rich and varied tones of cobalt blue in the naturalistic form of young pine tree branches, elegantly decorated using sumi hajiki technique (literally meaning "ink repel”) in which ink is applied under areas of cobalt; during firing, the ink burns off removing any overlying colour (Wilson 1995:118). The very high footrim encircled by a comb design in the Nabeshima taste.
 
These small dishes, called mame-sara 豆皿 are revered in Japan; there is a love of the aesthetic beauty of small objects that fit into the palm of one’s hand. This particular example is extremely finely potted and painted.
 
Measurements:
10.7cm long by 7.2cm wide by 2.0cm high
 
Condition report:
In good condition with two very small repaired flakes to the edge.