An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Dish with Ginkgo Leaveslate 1600s-early 1700s
This dish is an example of the finest type of Japanese porcelain, Nabeshima-type Hizen ware. It has a complex, abstracted design of ginkgo leaves and “Chinese grasses” (<em>karakusa</em>) in underglaze blue that may be among the most interesting of the underglaze blue designs. The dish is the largest of the three standard-sized Nabeshima dishes for individual servings.
The ginkgo's distinctive fan-shaped leaf is a symbol of longevity and endurance in Japanese art.
Porcelain with underglaze blue (Hizen ware, Nabeshima type)
Diameter: 20 cm (7 7/8 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In a tranquil gallery, where the whispers of art linger in the air like the soft rustle of leaves, there rests a dish that tells a tale of craftsmanship and beauty. It is no ordinary piece, but rather a stunning example of Nabeshima-type Hizen ware, a pinnacle of the Japanese porcelain tradition.
Imagine, if you will, the intricate design painted upon its surface. Here, ginkgo leaves dance gracefully alongside serpentine motifs of Chinese grasses, known as *karakusa*, each stroke of underglaze blue a testament to the skilled hands that brought it to life. The colors swirl and intertwine, evoking a sense of movement— as if the elements of nature themselves pause to admire their reflection in the smooth porcelain.
This dish isn’t just a vessel; it's the largest among the trio of standard-sized Nabeshima dishes made for individual servings, beckoning one to consider the meals that might grace its surface. A simple meal could transform into an occasion; the beauty of the dish elevating rice and miso soup into a banquet for the soul.
As you stand before it, you can’t help but ponder the generations of artisans who have come before. Each curve and line carries their legacy, their dedication to perfection evident in every detail. The dish is not just inanimate; it resonates with stories of joy and celebration, of shared dinners and quiet moments.
In this serene embrace of artistry, the Nabeshima dish stands timeless—a reminder of the connection between beauty, craftsmanship, and the stories we share around the table.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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