A fine and rare early 18th century Kakiemon enamelled porcelain deep dish featuring flowering Hydrangea, representative of Gratitude, with scattered flowerheads to the underside
 
Kakiemon kiln, Arita, Hizen province, Japan 
Edo period (early 18th century)
circa 1700-1725
 
Measuring 13.5 cm (5.31 in) in diameter; 3.2 cm (1.25 in) in height
​
The finely potted shallow bowl of soft white porcelain with an everted and very unusually lobed rim dressed in iron-brown fuchi-beni glaze (lip rouge) and enamelled with a continuous band of scrolling foliage and stylized flowerheads, the interior painted in overglaze yellow, green, blue, black and iron red enamels with flowering branches of hydrangea and peony to the centre, the gently curved sides sparsely decorated with scattered enamelled flowerheads, and raised on a circular foot.
​
The Hydrangea was a motif rarely used by the Kakiemon, yet boldly featured on this small bowl. Being symbolic of Gratitude, it is likely that this bowl was intended as a presentation piece, or a 'Small Token of Gratitude'.
​
The enamels are in bright, remarkable and pristine condition, and the scattered flowerheads to the underside are particularly pleasing.