Kakiemon, Arita kiln, c.1690
A fine Kakiemon enamelled deep dish of nigoshide porcelain
Genroku era (1688-1703)
delicately enamelled in the Kakiemon style 
with a frolicking shishi Lion and sprays of flowering Peony
circa 1690
 
Measuring 13.9 cm (5.47 in) in diameter; 4.4 cm (1.73 in) in height.
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An exceptionally well enamelled and very finely potted foliate shallow bowl, the body of luminescent white nigoshide porcelain with milk-white glaze, painted in the Kakiemon palette of iron red, brilliant blue, turquise green and pale yellow with black outlining, depicting a frolicking shishi alongside classic Kakiemon flowering peonies.
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The reverse is typically undecorated. A spar mark to the glazed base, some kiln-grit adhering to the interior of the unglazed footrim.
This bright white nigoshide body is a fine example of the white porcelain paste and pure glaze used for only the finest enamelled wares of this period. This body, composed of kaolin and petunste, achieved purity through a time consuming process in which the Arita potters repeatedly levigated and washed the clay.
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An excessively rare and pleasing pattern.