A JAPANESE ARITA BLUE AND WHITE VASE

A JAPANESE ARITA BLUE AND WHITE VASE

EDO PERIOD, c.1670-90

The tall bulbous body decorated with three large shield-shaped panels enclosing figures in luxuriant gardens, some holding tall fans and one with a rhomboid standard, the panels divided by stylised lotus flowerheads and scrolling tendrils, the neck and shoulder with borders of lappets, 30cm.

Cf. J Ayers, & O Impey, Porcelain for Palaces: The Fashion for Japan in Europe 1650-1750, pp.106-107, no.54 for an ovoid vase with related decoration. The authors explain that the use of cartouches divided by patterns derives from the kraak style.