A late 17th C Arita porcelain lobed dish with rinka rim, strikingly painted with a pair of ayu (sweetfish)
 
Arita kiln, Hizen province, Japan
Early Edo period (late 17th century)
circa 1690
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The biscuit-fired white porcelain of circular form with a lobed rinka rim, the interior very boldly painted with a strikingly contrasting and balanced pair of swimming sweetfish in fine underglaze cobalt blue showcasing strong tonal variations and expert brushwork.
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The reverse decorated with a fine double-lined hana-karakusa scroll, a cobalt blue Chenghua apocryphal six-character mark with a circle to the base.
 
Measurements:
20 cm (7.87 inches) in diameter
 
Condition report:
Excellent original condition. Some kiln-grit adhering to the footrim. Five spur-marks (kiln support marks) to the base.
 
With an antique Japanese paulownia wood storage box and ribbon tie.