10527 A Japanese Arita porcelain ewer, the body decorated with figures in a rocky landscape, the neck with stiff flower decoration, on a thick, raised foot rim. Two short hairline cracks to neck rim.
Japanese, Arita
1640-60
Height: 8.25 ins (21 cms) £1,200
Description
This rare shape dates to the first half of the 17th century when Portuguese traders had dominance over contact with Japan.
Ewers and jugs of this shape are known in the pottery of Lisbon in the 1640s, many dated and decorated with armorial devices and it is likely that earlier in the century, patterns were sent out to Arita to be copied for export to Europe. This form of jug was popularised and possibly originated in the stoneware of the Rhine in the 16th century. These wares were then exported throughout Europe and finding their way to Lisbon and then by influence, to Japan.
The pressure on the Portuguese position was relentlessly challenged by the Dutch and English trading companies, finally ending with the expulsion of the all Portuguese from the Japanese islands after 1639. After this point, the Dutch East India company took control of this valuable commerce and the Portuguese retreated to Macau and the Phillipines.
