Images(2)

Imari dish with Dutchmen

Datelate 19th century

Object number00055224

NameImari dish

MediumPorcelin

DimensionsOverall: 100 × 620 × 620 mm
Display dimensions (Foot): 15 × 390 × 390 mm

ClassificationsTableware and furnishings

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis Japanese Imari ware dish from the Meiji period is decorated with a central image of a Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship. The repeated motifs of a Dutch ship and European merchants are directly related to the period when ships and officials of the Dutch East India Company purchased Japanese porcelain for export to Europe. The trade in porcelain formed an important part of the rich trade from Asia to Europe and is a lasting testimony to the technological skills of Asia throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.HistoryImari is the name given to the world famous Japanese porcelain produced in Arita, Hizen province (modern Saga prefecture) on the island of Kyushu. The name Imari derives from the name of the Japanese port town from which the porcelain was shipped. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) started purchasing Japanese porcelain in 1653 and continued to export porcelain until cessation of the company in 1799. Thereafter Imari porcelain was exported privately. The bowl is an example produced during the Meiji period. The Meiji period denotes the 45-year reign of Emperor Meiji, running from 1868 to 1912. During this time, Japan started its modernization and rose to world power status. The name means "Period of Enlightened Rule." SignificanceThe dish is significant as an example of the European influence on Japanese art and design resulting from the establishment of the Dutch trading concession in 1609. After 1637 the Dutch held a monopoly on European trade with Japan and established their factory at the former Portuguese base on Dejima Island in Nagasaki Harbour. The dish is an example of Japanese ceramics produced for export to Europe.