Dish with Beans, Squash, and Eggplant
Assortments of vegetables stand out as among the most refined compositions seen on medium-size Nabeshima dishes like this one. The skillful arrangement of the vegetables is surprising, elegant, and appetizing. The clarity of the cobalt line drawing, the subtle gradations of shading, and the vivid hues of red, pale green, and yellow give the dish a striking visual appeal. The motif may also allude to the foods once served on such plates—vital sources of nourishment and enjoyment in daily life—while many of the depicted vegetables carry auspicious associations or refer to seasonal festivals.
Artwork Details
- 色絵蔬菜文皿
- Title: Dish with Beans, Squash, and Eggplant
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: late 17th–early 18th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Porcelain with cobalt blue under transparent glaze and polychrome enamels over the glaze (Hizen ware, Nabeshima type)
- Dimensions: H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); Diam. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. V. Everit Macy, 1923
- Object Number: 23.225.305
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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1680–90s
ca. 1690–1720s
ca. 1690–1720
ca. 1650s
ca. 1650s
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