A JAPANESE VAN FRYTOM STYLE DISH

A JAPANESE VAN FRYTOM STYLE DISH

EDO PERIOD, C.1690-1710

Decorated in underglaze blue, the well painted with a rural scene of European-style figures in a small boat, with houses by the water edge in the background, the underside with a Chinese mark for Da Ming Chenghua nian zhi, 12.8cm.

Cf. G Lang, The Wrestling Boys, An exhibition of Chinese and Japanese ceramics from the 16th to the 18th century in the collection at Burghley House, p.13, no.38 for a related dish, one of a pair. Also, see C J A Jörg, Fine & Curious, Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, p.246, no.317, for another example in the collection of Twickel Castle, Delden. The author also explains that similar saucers were found during excavations in Deshima.

This design was first created by famous Dutch artist Frederik Van Frytom (1632-1702). Van Frytom created an important series of Delftware dishes for export to Japan in 1684 which reflected the Dutch landscape tradition of the 17th century. Van Frytom's patterns (including the design known as 'Deshima Island') became a large part of Japan kilns production made for the West.