Japanese Export, Arita kiln, c1670-90
 
Avery fine 17th century blue & white export ewer
Arita kiln, Hizen province, Japan
Early Edo Period (17th century)
Genroku era (1688-1703)
 
Measuring 19 cm in height
 
The shape of this finely potted Japanese porcelain ewer can be traced back through Yuan dynasty porcelain to near Eastern metalwork. The slender flaring upright spout attached to the neck by a delicate S-shaped strut, the pear-shaped bulbous body superbly decorated with male and female courting figures on a terrace with bamboo and pine and scrolling clouds overhead.
 
The scrolling loop handle pierced for European silver mounts.
 
Similar pieces can be found in the Shibata Collection and the British Museum.
No restoration.