Dish with Maple Leaves in Waves

late 1600s-early 1700s

Dish with Maple Leaves in Waves, late 1600s-early 1700s. Japan, Edo period (1615-1868). Porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze color enamel (Hizen ware, Nabeshima type); diameter: 19.7 cm (7 3/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2017.62 The dish is an example of the finest type of Japanese porcelain, Nabeshima-type Hizen ware. It is decorated with maple leaves in iron-red and green and yellow enamels floating on the rough waters of a fast flowing stream in underglaze blue. It has been associated with the classical poetry motif of maple leaves on the Tatsuta River in Nara Prefecture. This pottery type was named for the Nabeshima family, who established kilns to produce highly refined porcelain meant for diplomatic gifts.