A large Japanese Arita blue-and-white porcelain VOC dish

 

Edo period, late 17th century

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Diam. 32 cm

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These Japanese dishes in the Chinese Wanli-style with the VOC monogram of the Dutch East India Company in the centre, were made between c. 1658 and 1685 primarily for use by VOC officials in the many different trade posts of the Company in Asia and on the Cape of Good Hope, and probably also for use as diplomatic gifts.