A very fine Arita pear-shaped ewer with delicate flaring spout, made for export by the Dutch East India Company, painted in the Chinese Transitional Style with Courting figures on a Terrace​
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Arita, Hizen province, Japan
early Edo period, Kanbun era (1660-1673)
circa 1670-90
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Description
The shape of this finely potted Japanese porcelain ewer can be traced back through Yuan dynasty porcelain to near Eastern metalwork. The slender flaring upright spout attached to the neck by a delicate S-shaped strut, the pear-shaped bulbous body superbly decorated with male and female courting figures on a terrace with bamboo and pine and scrolling clouds overhead.
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The same 'Courting couple on a Terrace' design is also found on the Arita Export ecuelle and cover, currently in our Collection.
 
The scrolling loop handle pierced for European silver mounts.
 
Measurements
19.0 cm high
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Condition
In very good original condition. An original potters notch to the underside of the footrim. A hairline-craze in the glaze near the spout - this is a superficial glaze flaw and does not penetrate into the porcelain.