Bowl with a design of Dutchmen and ships
Data
| Artist | Imari ware |
|---|---|
| Period | Edo period, late 17th - early 18th century |
| Materials and techniques | Porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze enamels |
| Size | H.9.0 MD.36.5 BD.20.5 |
Explanation
This type of design featuring Dutchmen is one of the classic designs of ko-Imari. Since the decoration includes Dutch ships, three on the interior and two on the exterior, it is known as gosōsen meaning five ships. The background is covered with lozenge-shaped patterns, each adorned with a chrysanthemum flower, and the mouth rim is decorated with a design of yōraku (tassel). The bowl is a wonderful example of some-nishiki, a term refering to vessels that are decorated in underglaze blue and overglaze enamels and heightned with gold.