A very fine and rare 17th century Arita moulded small dish (mame-sara) in the form of a sweetfish (ayu) amongst seaweeds
 
Arita kiln, Ai-Kutani type, Hizen province, Japan
early Edo period, Kanbun era (1660-1673)
circa 1660-1670
 
The very finely moulded dish in the form of a leaping sweetfish (ayu) amongst seaweeds, painted in rich and vibrant tones of cobalt blue, the tail elegantly restored with kintsugi (gold), the reverse undecorated. 
 
A very rare form with an exceptionally pleasing kintsugi restoration.
 
These small bean dishes, called mame-sara 豆皿 are revered in Japan; there is a love of the aesthetic beauty of small objects that fit into the palm of one’s hand.
 
Measurements:
11.0cm long; 7.5cm wide
 
Condition: 
In very good restored condition, with an elegant kintsugi (gold) repair to the tail and no other damages.
 
Provenance: 
A private Japanese Collection (Kyoto, Japan)