Yoshidaya Centerpieces

A Japanese Ao-Kutani stoneware dish with overglaze decoration in the shape of barbed quatrefoil shape from late Edo period, circa early mid-19th century. Around 1804, 100 years after Ko-Kutani (old-Kutani) ware disappeared abruptly after thriving from 1655-early 1700s, saiko-kutani (revived-kutani) was attempted by many kilns and several distinguished styles developed. Among them, Yoshidaya kiln attempted to revive the original style of Ko-Kutani known as Aote, which employed four dark colors: green, yellow, dark blue/black and aubergine to create bold and striking design. The Yoshidaya production was short-lived and lasted roughly from 1823-1831. This dish is likely dated from this period or shortly after. The overglaze design centered around a crouching tiger under a black bamboo grove in a deep green background, surrounded by luxuriant banana leaves in green and aubergine with black outlines. The base of a similar concentric barbed quatrefoil design is further decorated with black foliage outlines and marked with a square Fuku mark. For a Yoshidaya dish with identical shape but different landscape decoration, see lot 79 of sale 6547 Christie's London. Important Japanese and Chinese Art...