large masted ship with two European figures at center of bowl; pairs of European men in rich brocades alternating with cartouches of smaller ships and decorations against a floral background on insides; peony design alternating with cartouches of European man and boy on outside

Bowl with Ships and Dutchmen, 18th century

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The technique used to decorate this bowl is known as iro-e (colored pictures). Motifs and patterns are painted with colored glazes onto previously glazed and fired ceramics, which are then fired again at a lower temperature so the color melts onto the underglaze. The Chinese developed this method in the 1100s, and it was introduced to Japan about five hundred years later.

This bowl’s design juxtaposes Japanese and decidedly non-Japanese motifs. A European ship and sailors at the center are encircled by a blue border with traditional Buddhist motifs of flying dragons, wish-granting jewels, and golden clouds. Surrounding this are more ships and pairs of curly-haired, colorfully clothed Dutchmen.
Details
Title
Bowl with Ships and Dutchmen
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.302
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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large masted ship with two European figures at center of bowl; pairs of European men in rich brocades alternating with cartouches of smaller ships and decorations against a floral background on insides; peony design alternating with cartouches of European man and boy on outside