A Japanese Arita “mistake” teapot for the Dutch market. Edo period, circa 1700
Of globular form, decorated in the Imari palette with sprays of chrysanthemum and a circular medallion with the letter ‘A’ marks both sides.
- Country:
- Japan
- Period :
- Edo (1603-1868), circa 1700
- Material:
- Porcelain
- Dimension:
- 5.90 in. x 4.52 in. (15 cm x 11.5 cm)
- Reference :
- E360
- Status:
- sold
Provenance
The Collection of Monsieur Emile Hollevoet, Lille, 7 march 1870, lot 154.
Notice
A specific group of ewers is decorated with the letters ‘O”, ‘A’, or ‘S’ indicating their contents: ‘O’ stands for olie (oil), ‘A’ for azijn (vinegar), ‘L’ for limoen (lemon), the ‘S’ or ‘Z’ for soya or zoja (soy). They were used at the dinner table in The Netherlands. Miniature table ware comprising set have been also ordered as Japon de commande by special request.
See Pr. Christiaan Jörg, Fine & Curious Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections, 2003, p. 176.
It is very likely that the Japanese painter who painted this teapot did not know the meaning of the letter ‘A’ and mistakenly thought it was part of an order for a condiment set.
