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Nabeshima octagonal dish

Nabeshima octagonal dish

ca. 1850

Eight auspicious symbols, forming the so-called myriad treasures motif, surround the Chinese character for long life on this Nabeshima ware dish. Eight sacred jewels, which originated in India, radiate outward from the center medallion and represent the desire for release from the cycle of suffering and death. Nabeshima ware was specially made at Okawachi Kiln on Kyushu Island under protection of the Nabeshima feudal lord. Specially produced as presentation gifts for the elite class of domain leaders, the bold enameled porcelain represents some of the highest quality ceramic ware in Japan.


Porcelain with glaze
2 x 6 1/2 x 7in. (5.1 x 16.5 x 17.8cm)
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
60.31
location
Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesFuller, Richard E. "Japanese Art in the Seattle Art Museum: An Historical Sketch." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1960 ("Presented in commemoration of the Hundredth Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the United States of America"), no. 160

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