. Originally decorated in scrolling floral patterns with green and red enamels, the decoration has largely been lost through extended burial: this jar was excavated from present-day Cambodia where some very rare and interesting examples of early Arita porcelain have been discovered. However, enough of the original decoration remains on the cover to see how elaborate the pattern was. Red enamel is "softer" than green so does not stand the test of time so well. The green enamel was clearly used more sparingly with spots of green interspersed here and there. Where the red enamel has been lost, however, a "ghost" pattern has been left on the surface of the porcelain. Diameter 13cm, height 10.75cm. The large dish decorated with a bold floral pattern in underglaze blue. Diameter 27cm. Both items dating to the mid 17th century. The jar free from restoration or repair, the dish broken and re-stuck in places. (2)
Provenance: from the collection of the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.