A SERVING DISH (SHAKUZARA) WITH THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE SEVEN GODS OF GOOD FORTUNE (TAKARAMONO)

Hizen ware, Nabeshima type; porcelain with underglaze blue and celadon
Japan, Edo period (1615−1868), ca. 1680–1700
12⅞ in. (32.8 cm) diameter

Nabeshima wares were only made for domestic consumption, and for presentation purposes rather than for actual use. Most famous are the dishes, which were produced in three basic sizes, of which this is an example of the largest type. Decorated with auspicious symbolism, this was one of the most popular patterns, and a number of variant versions of the composition are extant.