Lot Essay
A similar dish, exhibited by the Hong Kong Oriental Ceramic Society, 1981, Catalogue, p.141, no.67 and p.183, was sold in our London Rooms, 12 June 1989, lot 318
A very similar example is illustrated in Toji Taikei, vol. 45, pl. 99; cf. also the Exhibition of Ming and Ch'ing Ceramics, Osaka Municipal Art Gallery, 1980, Catalogue, p. 31, no.1-120; and the example in the Museum Yamato Bunkakan, Catalogue, 1977, no. 186. The type is discussed by Little in his China Institute of Amercia Catalogue, p. cit., no. 35. For a Shonzui style blue and white version is in the Baur Collection, cf. in the Catalogue, vol. II, no. A228. S. Jenyns compared both kinds in his paper published in the Oriental Ceramic Society, Transactions, 1962-63, The Chinese Ko-sometuske and Shonsui Wares, pp. 13-50. See also the splendid blue and white example in the Toguri Museum of Art, Catalogue of Chinese Ceramics, Colour, col.pl. 148, p. 117
This is almost certainly a 'special commission' from China, and originally very expensive. In view of the very bold colouring, it may be that it originally formed part of the ceramics for 'daimyo-cha' or 'pretty' tea (Kirei-sabi) for aristocratic ladies, where such bright pieces would be more acceptable than in Rikyu-style austere tea
A very similar example is illustrated in Toji Taikei, vol. 45, pl. 99; cf. also the Exhibition of Ming and Ch'ing Ceramics, Osaka Municipal Art Gallery, 1980, Catalogue, p. 31, no.1-120; and the example in the Museum Yamato Bunkakan, Catalogue, 1977, no. 186. The type is discussed by Little in his China Institute of Amercia Catalogue, p. cit., no. 35. For a Shonzui style blue and white version is in the Baur Collection, cf. in the Catalogue, vol. II, no. A228. S. Jenyns compared both kinds in his paper published in the Oriental Ceramic Society, Transactions, 1962-63, The Chinese Ko-sometuske and Shonsui Wares, pp. 13-50. See also the splendid blue and white example in the Toguri Museum of Art, Catalogue of Chinese Ceramics, Colour, col.pl. 148, p. 117
This is almost certainly a 'special commission' from China, and originally very expensive. In view of the very bold colouring, it may be that it originally formed part of the ceramics for 'daimyo-cha' or 'pretty' tea (Kirei-sabi) for aristocratic ladies, where such bright pieces would be more acceptable than in Rikyu-style austere tea