Bulbous porcelain jar

From Japan
Edo period, around AD 1670

Decorated in overglaze coloured enamels

This fine bulbous jar is an early example of Japanese porcelain. With its thick opaque white glaze and design in rich coloured enamels, it is clearly a forerunner of the Kakiemon style.

The design is a re-interpretation of a Chinese garden scene of the Ming dynasty (AD 1368-1644). There is no attempt at rational composition. Instead, the various elements - veranda, fences, flowers, insects and clouds - have been arranged for maximum emotional impact.

L. Smith, V. Harris and T. Clark, Japanese art: masterpieces in (London, The British Museum Press, 1990)