Large Edo Period Lacquered Arita Bowl

Underglaze blue Japanese export lidded porcelain bowl with lacquer decoration, c. 1780.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 12” diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The porcelain bowl and lid are decorated in underglaze blue. 
 
Brown and black lacquer has been applied over the surface of the bowl leaving small spaces for the underlying underglaze blue pattern to show. Patterns of gilt leaves decorate the lacquer surface.
 
Stylistically, the design is similar to an enameled bowls illustrated in The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, “Complete Catalog of Shibata Collection” catalog number 3520 at p. 441 and 3608 at p. 452.
 
Surviving lacquered Japanese porcelain pieces such as this bowl are rare. Lacquer decoration of export porcelain began in the late 17th century to appeal to the growing European demand for both porcelain and lacquerware. Limited use of this technique continued into the Meiji era.
 
Early examples can be found in a number of royal and noble collections, the largest group being that collected by Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Duke-Elector of Saxony which are now in the Dresden Porcelain Collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen in Dresden Germany.
 
References:
Strober, “Chinese and Japanese Porcelain with Lacquer in the Dresden Porcelain Collection, “Schwartz Porcelain, The Lacquer Craze and Its Impact on European Porcelain”, pp.17-23.
 
Condition: Minor losses to lacquer and small areas where lacquer decoration may be loosening from the porcelain; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.
 
Please note, this is a large and heavy item to ship.