Japanese Arita Blue and White Apothecary Vase, Late 17th Century, Genroku Period

Ref: W224

Archive item - not for sale

Japanese Arita blue and white apothecary vase, late 17th century, Genroku period, of bulbous form with long tapering and ribbed neck, decorated to the body in underglaze cobalt blue with pomegranates, foliage and an assortment of flowers including peony, the slender neck with upright floral sprays above concentric circles and a band of lappets.

Dimensions:

Height: 21 cm. (8.1/4 in.)

Condition:

Restoration to lower flange

Notes:

The shape of these bottle vases was inspired from medieval European pharmacy pots. In some examples, the initials IC can be found on the base: it is thought that this refers to Johannes Caphuys (1634-1695), head of the Dutch East India company in Deshima in 1671. Genroku is a Japanese era name refering to the prosperous years from the 1688 to 1704: its kanji are 元 (gen; former time) and 禄 (roku: monetary stipend or hapiness).