A very fine and rare Kakiemon lozenge-shaped dish in the Nabeshima taste, elegantly moulded and exquisitely enamelled with a pair of Immortal Phoenix (ho-o birds) chasing the Sun, c1670-80
Arita, the body possibly early Nabeshima, and the enamelled decoration Kakiemon, Hizen province, Japan,
Edo period, Enpō period
circa 1670-80
Description
The superbly moulded porcelain body exquisitely decorated in the Kakiemon style with polychrome enamels of iron-red, deep blue, turquoise green, and black. The reverse sides with underglaze cobalt blue chrysanthemum and arabesque scrolls; the high foot formed with 'thread-cutting' technique and decorated with sawtooth design, in the early Nabeshima taste.
The pairing of the Peony (The King of Flowers) with the Immortal Phoenix (The King of Birds) represents a highly auspicious design that promises blessings and prosperity.
Measurements
14.6 cm long x 13.5 cm wide
Condition
Excellent original condition, with only a faint 6mm mark on the side of the rim (barely noticeable). The enamels in exceptional condition.
Essay
This elegantly moulded diamond-shaped dish was formed with the "thread cutting" technique which involved using a thread or wire to precisely trim the excess clay from the base of the piece while still on the potter's wheel, before firing. This method resulted in a very neat, clean, and characteristic finish, which is one of the hallmarks of Nabeshima ware.
A very fine Kakiemon enamelled & moulded dish in the Nabeshima taste, c1670-80
RESERVED.
BARASET HOUSE FINE ART
416 666 6295
info@barasethouse.com
www.barasethouse.com
COMPARABLE EXAMPLES
An identical example exhibited at the Imaemon Museum of Antique Ceramics (Arita, Japan) October-December, 2025. The curator of this exhibition suggests that this dish was originally fired before the advent of the akae technique during the Shoho period (1644-1648), and that the iron-red and enamel decoration on the surface were later applied and fired in a muffle-kiln likely during the Enpo period. It may be possible that the body of this dish was fired at the earliest Nabeshima kiln at Iwatanigawachi in the early 1640s and the enamel decoration later added by the Kakiemon. The suggestion makes this dish an important documentary piece regarding the history between Nabeshima and Kakiemon production.
An identical pair of dishes in the collection of The Seattle Art Museum, erroneously dated to the early 18th century.