Figure thumbnail 1
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Figure

1660-1690 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Arita (made)

This figure of an elephant is an example of so-called Kakiemon-style ware, which is typified by the use of bright enamel colours on a fine white porcelain body. The name Kakiemon derives from the family of decorators reputed to have introduced the techniques of overglaze enamelling to Arita in western Japan in the 1640s. Kakiemon-style wares, especially figures of this kind, were the costliest and most sought after of all Japanese ceramics exported to Europe.

Object details

Categories
Ceramics
Porcelain
Object type
Figure
Materials and techniques
Porcelain decorated in overglaze enamels
Porcelain
Painted
Glazed
Brief description
Figure of an elephant, porcelain painted in overglaze enamels; Japan, Arita kilns (Kakiemon type), Edo period, 1660-1690
Dimensions
  • Height: 32.7cm
  • Width: 39.7cm
Styles
Edo
Kakiemon
Gallery label
  • Figure of an elephant 1660–90 As well as functional dishes, bowls and jars, Arita potters made porcelain figures in the form of humans, animals and mythical beasts. Popular with wealthy customers overseas, these can still be found in palaces and stately homes all over Europe. The bright enamel colours on the elephant’s hood and saddle-cloth are set off very effectively by its black body. Arita kilns Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels (Kakiemon type) Museum no. FE.134-1978 (04/11/2015)
  • Elephant Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels Arita kilns (Kakiemon type) About 1675-1700(1986)
  • Figure of an elephant Arita kilns (Kakiemon type) Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels 1660-1690 V&A FE.134-1978 (January 2015)
Object history
Date given as 1670-1690 in Porcelain for Palaces, no. 161; date on label in Toshiba Gallery given as 'about 1675-1700' as at February 2009
Subject depicted
Elephants
Summary
This figure of an elephant is an example of so-called Kakiemon-style ware, which is typified by the use of bright enamel colours on a fine white porcelain body. The name Kakiemon derives from the family of decorators reputed to have introduced the techniques of overglaze enamelling to Arita in western Japan in the 1640s. Kakiemon-style wares, especially figures of this kind, were the costliest and most sought after of all Japanese ceramics exported to Europe.
Bibliographic reference
Ayers, J., Impey, O. and Mallet, J.V.G., Porcelain for Palaces : The Fashion for Japan in Europe, 1650-1750, London : Oriental Ceramic Society, 1990
Collection
East Asia Collection
Accession number
FE.134-1978

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Record createdFebruary 18, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O188375/figure-unknown/
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