CLEIJ
ORIENTAL ART
CLEIJ
ORIENTAL ART
Chinese Imari
Chinese Imari is characterized by its typical underglaze blue and overglaze red and gold decoration. This first Chinese Imari was produced at the end of the reign of the Chinese emperor Kangxi (1662-1722). The inspiration for this style originates from 17th century Japanese examples. When during the 2nd half of the 17th century the Dutch East India Company (VOC) could no longer export porcelain from China, they searched for other porcelain suppliers in Asia. It was at this time that the porcelain trade with Japan became important. Some of the porcelain from Japan was decorated in the above mentioned Imari style. This style was very popular in Europe. After the Chinese factories reopened for export around 1700, the Dutch merchants ordered porcelain with a similar decoration in China. Early Chinese Imari has all the typical features of the fine Kangxi export wares of the early 18th century, although in some cases the decoration was still inspired by earlier Japanese designs. Over the course of the 18th century, Chinese Imari developed its own distinct characteristics. Please click on the thumbnail for additional pictures and information about an item.
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