Lidded jar with lion-shaped lid handle and irregular brocade decoration

This lidded jar’s decoration is a typical example of the kinrande style, or brocade decoration, which was in high demand from Arita potters by Dutch traders. As is common in these wares, the painter designed the decoration in several bands and the central motif was further divided into smaller, often irregularly-shaped cartouches. The central band bears an irregular uneven strip with a meshwork of pine and peony branches, which is interrupted by three vertical bands with a phoenix motif and scrollwork. They are followed by three uchiwa fan-shaped medallions with floral patterns of hydrangea and other flowers. The surface in the central part is adorned with painted chrysanthemum blossoms and leaves. The shoulders and base bear cloud-shaped medallions with scenes of ideal landscapes, which are surrounded by karakusa grass and rosettes. The neck bears a spiralling three-clawed dragon with a pearl in clouds and flames. The shoulder decoration is repeated on the lid. The lid’s handle is shaped like the Chinese lion karashishi with a pearl. (See Filip Suchomel – Marcela Suchomelová, Mistrovská díla japonského porcelánu, Praha 1997, p. 142.)