A SET OF FIVE JAPANESE RECTANGULAR DISHES

A SET OF FIVE JAPANESE RECTANGULAR DISHES

EDO OR MEIJI PERIOD, 18TH OR 19TH CENTURY

All decorated in underglaze blue, gilt and polychrome enamels with the same design, each with a central panel enclosing flowers, leaves and books on a ground of scrolling waves, bordered by flowering prunus branches and chrysanthemums, all painted with further sprays of flowers to the reverse and with details highlighted in gilt, 17.8cm max. (5)

Provenance: from the collection of the late Gas Kimishima, wood-fire potter and specialist in the ancient kilns of Japan, purchased in Japan and thence by descent. Gas established his studio in England and built his own anagama kiln in Tring, Hertfordshire.