Rare Massive Unfinished Japanese Jar and Cover c.1700

A Rare Massive Unfinished Japanese Porcelain Jar and Cover, Arita Kilns c.1690-1730. This substantial late 17th or early 18th century jar and cover was originally part of a garniture or one of a pair. Pieces like this were made for grand houses in Europe but this unfinished piece comes from Japan, presumably it has been in Japan since it was made. The design would have incorporated decoration in the imari palette and is likely to also have lacquer decoration. It seems strange to add lacquer to glazed shiny porcelain surface as lacquer is hydroscopic, most Japanese porcelain with added lacquer have areas of unglazed porcelain so the lacquer would adhere better. However, lacquered late 17th and early 18th century Japanese porcelain can be found with fully glazed surface, for example at the Japanese Palace in Dresden. The long thin flowing lines in underglaze blue on the present example look very much like guidelines. It was pointed out to me that they are more likely to be used for lacquer than for polychrome decoration, especially as the polychrome decoration would normally be in combination with underglaze blue, also the area is too large for a painted design. The cover has a ShiShi lion on top. It comes with a made to measure Japanese timber box and cover. Please note ; if you are considering purchasing this piece please contact me about shipping, it is a massive heavy piece and the shipping costs will reflect its size and weight.

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