A PAIR OF MAGNIFICENT IMARI DISHES, EDO PERIOD, LATE 17TH CENTURY

Decoration in lacquer or gold became onto porcelain fashionable in the early part of the 18^th century and not only dishes but vases also had lacquer decorations added either in Japan or Europe. On a grand scale is the garniture of three vases and covers in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford formerly in the collection of the Duchess of Marlborough, with their richly lacquered panels which would have reflected candlelight when on display. Here the areas for lacquering have been decorated in a rich gold.