Edo Period Arita Dish with Molded Kraak Style Decoration

Underglaze blue Japanese export porcelain molded dish, c. 1690.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 9¼” diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The shaped rim is dressed with iron-oxide enamel, called “kuchibeni” (meaning lipstick).
 
The border is decorated with a molded pattern of alternating panels of sunflowers and what appear to be panels of precious objects above which are scepter heads (ruyi or ju-i) emulating the decoration found on 17th century Chinese Kraak ware. 
 
The central scene is of rocks, plants, trees, and stylized clouds.
 
The reverse is decorated with alternating enamel panels also similar to Kraak style enameled decoration, and three blue bands surrounding the foot.
 
The base has 4 spur marks and a blue circle surrounding a fuku mark. The base is also decorated with cut or impressed lines radiating from the center to the foot rim appearing to replicate the chatter marks found on 17th century Chinese Kraak ware.
 
With the disruption of the Jingdezhen kilns in the middle of the 17the century, the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) turned to Japan to provide porcelain for the Dutch market. This was primarily blue and white wares produced at the Arita kilns.
 
Blue-and white plates and dishes were usually decorated in the Kraak style, i.e. a border divided into panels of at least two patterns with a pictorial center design. 
 
By the 1680s, the Jingdezhen kilns were back in operation, producing porcelain for export in larger quantities and at lower cost than the Japanese kilns. Consequently, imports from Japan rapidly declined. However, private trade continued into the 18th century and traditional designs continued to be produced into the late 18th to early 19th centuries.
 
References:
Barry Davis Oriental Art, “Ko-Imari Porcelain from the Collection of Oliver Impey”.
Impey, “Japanese Export Porcelain”.
Jorg, “Fine & Curious, Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections”.
MacGuire, “Four Centuries of Blue & White”.
P.L.J. Arts, “Japanese Porcelain”.
Reichel, “Early Japanese Porcelain”.
Shimura, “The History of Imari, The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain”.
New Orleans Museum of Art, “Imari, Japanese Porcelain for European Palaces”.
The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, “Complete Catalog of Shibata Collection”.
 
Condition: Minor glaze flaw from manufacture; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.