Charger with Design of V. O. C. Monogram Surrounded by Phoenixes, Fruits, Flowers, and Plants

Culture: Japanese
Period: Edo period, 1615–1868
Date: late 17th–early 18th century
Material: Arita ware, Ko-Imari type; porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration
made in: Arita, Saga prefecture, Japan, Asia
Classification: Ceramics
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 223
Dimensions: 2 1/4 x 15 1/2 in. (5.7 x 39.4 cm)
Credit Line: William K. Bixby Trust for Asian Art
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 14:1969

NOTES

The stylized initials V.O.C. on this platter stand for Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (United East India Company), the old Dutch name of the Dutch East India Company. Porcelains bearing this mark were for exclusive use of company officers. The monogram is surrounded by a pair of phoenixes, pomegranates, and camellias, with other plants and flowers adorning six panels on the wide rim. The design is based on early 17th-century Chinese porcelains.

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