Naga171 Arita eight-sided mountain plate

This is, in my estimation, the very best piece of eight-sided ware in this collection. It is my favorite, from the Arita area, early Meiji or late Edo. It is signed, though I cannot as yet read the stylized single character at the back. The design is in the same stylized, early cubist, forms to be seen in pieces signed Gan 玩 elsewhere in this collection. However, this piece is so masterful as to belong to another level of perfection. I believe it is from the same kiln as those signed as Gan. It is one degree larger than others I have seen, and precisely, tightly drawn in straight brush strokes. Where curved lines are allowed into the design, they are to define the separation of planes in the landscape. The uninterrupted outer border is of rice fields and leaves (or whale flukes if you like) that lead down to the double bands of line designs, and finally to the magnificent cubist landscape. I find in particular the line of the mountains stretching into the distance, sheltering a sectioned rice field (or is it a small volcano!) with a wisp of smoke trailing off into the distance of the sea. Circles to the upper left seem to suggest a castle wall. The plate has a decorative fluted edge. The reverse is an astounding brushed design of nubbed Chinese vines with single flowers in the corners. The total effect of this plate is directness, dynamism, confidence. Width/Height 31.2 cm, back circle diameter 19.5 cm. No chips.

naga171 Arita kakuzara plate  $275.00 (shipping & packing available) We accept VISA and MASTERCARD See more at Richard Arts