DISH WITH CHRYSANTHEMUM CHAIN DESIGN

Hizen ware, early Nabeshima type; porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze colored enamels
Japan, Edo period (1615−1868), ca. 1650–60
7⅝ in. (19.3 cm) diameter

The smaller size and shallow depth of this dish indicates its early manufacture. The chrysanthemum and floral-scroll design circle the dish surface and is framed by an outline of underglaze blue filled in to the edge of the plate. The concentric arrangement of red and blue for the chrysanthemum and the vivid emerald green of the leaves make for an eye-catching presentation. The underside features peony motifs with a chain of heart-shaped beads on the foot, a pattern that is a characteristic of early Nabeshima wares.