Dish with overhead handle

This hand-potted dish was produced for export to Japan. The shallow basin with a wide handle is painted with figures carrying fish baskets and with scenes of fishermen returning with their catch. The procession, led by a deer, takes place along a bridge at the base of the work. The central ground is left open, and a few outlined clouds over a shallow wash are placed at the top. The unglazed flat part of the base was created by wiping off glaze, a process that left some glazed mottles adhering to the base. Although the decorative motif follows a long tradition in Chinese ceramics, the rustic shape reflects Japanese taste.