, Ca. 1700, Japan, An unusual plate with three centaurs, apparently engaged in battle (a fouth partly visible centaur lies on the ground). The floral border holds animals and mythical beasts such as a tiger, boar, horse and foo-dogs. Not marked. D 26 cm, Good condition. No chips, no hairlines and no restoration. Some wear of the pattern and gilding from age and use. From a Dutch collection. Bought from Sothebys Amsterdam (Mak van Waay), on November 16th. 1976. Lit.: Another example of this plate is in the collection of the British Museum and illustrated in Japanese Porcelain by Soame Jenyns, (London, 1965), plate no. 44B,
