17tth-Century Japanese Porcelain Blue & White Kraak-Style Dishes

Details

Description

Edo Elegance: Pair of Japanese Arita 'Kraak Style' Porcelain Dishes
Edo Period, Circa 1680–1700

This spectacular pair of Japanese Arita … Read more Edo Elegance: Pair of Japanese Arita 'Kraak Style' Porcelain Dishes
Edo Period, Circa 1680–1700

This spectacular pair of Japanese Arita porcelain blue and white dishes is a classic example of late 17th-century "Kraak style" export ware.

Each dish is expertly painted in a vibrant underglaze-blue. The central roundel features a classic view of a flower basket holding three lush peony stems and delicate grasses, all set upon a fenced terrace. The wide, traditional Kraak-style border is vividly decorated with radiating panels featuring alternating motifs of bamboo, peony, and prunus (plum blossom). These larger floral panels are elegantly divided by narrow, dark blue bands detailed with scrolling motifs. The reverse of the dishes continues the decoration with alternating spirals and lines.

Measurements:
Diameter: 12 1/4 inches (31.1 cm)
Depth: 2 inches (5.1 cm)

Historical Context: The Kraak Style

The term "Kraak" originally refers to a specific type of Chinese export porcelain produced during the late Ming dynasty, named after the Portuguese merchant ships (Carracks) that first brought them to Europe. These wares were characterized by their central motifs surrounded by radiating paneled borders.

When the Ming dynasty fell in the mid-17th century, the lucrative Chinese porcelain trade was severely disrupted. To meet the massive European demand, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) turned to the Japanese kilns in Arita. Japanese potters brilliantly adapted to European tastes, meticulously copying the beloved Chinese Kraak paneled designs. Because these Japanese Kraak-style pieces were only produced for a brief window (roughly 1660 to 1700) before European tastes shifted toward Imari and Kakiemon styles, surviving pairs in good condition are exceptional finds for collectors of early global trade ceramics.

(Reference: NY11082-ucix) See less