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An unusual enamelled, gilt and underglaze blue Kraak-style Ko-Imari dish, decorated in overglaze enamels of iron-red, yellow, green, turquoise and aubergine, with gilded highlights
 
Arita kiln, Hizen province, Japan
Early Edo Period (late 17th/early 18th century)
Genroku era (1688-1703)
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Marked on reverse with a large cobalt fu-ki-cho-shun four-character mark (meaning: perpetual spring of riches and honours)
 
Measuring 14.3 cm in diameter 
 
The border with divided panels decorated with precious objects alternated by stylized upright flowers.
 
Kraak porcelain is a type of early blue and white Chinese export porcelain produced from the Wanli reign (1573-1620) until around 1640. It is named after the Portuguese ships (Carracks), in which it was transported. Kraak-ware was the first Chinese export ware to arrive in Europe in large quantities. It is usually Blue and White, decorated with stylized flowers such as peonies and chrysanthemums, and with wide border panels. Wares included large dishes, bowls and vases. After the fall of the Ming dynasty and the closure of most Chinese kilns, the Arita kilns in Japan began fulfilling the orders for Kraakware placed by the Dutch East India Company for export to Europe. This Japanes enameled and gilded Kraak-dish is an exceptionally rare example of the style.
 
An identical dish in the Shibata Collection (Kyushu, Japan)