Japanese ko-sometsuke porcelain nagazara (tray form dish) with scalloped corners. With creative blue underglaze depiction of pine boughs and cones in and centered within double lined blue rectangle by the cavetto. The sides with decoration of a literati scroll with berried vines. A narrow key fret band adorns along the outside of the foot rim. A six character mark appears inside the rectangular foot rim. This strongly potted and decorated piece exhibits freedom of expression not bridled by repetitive production of established patterns. We believe it to be from a private kiln under the patronage of some feudal lord and showing independence of both cultivated patronage and accomplished production even if a bit more primitive than production from known, leading kilns. We feel it must be 18th century. Some traces of iron oxide dot the cobalt blue decoration. The unglazed foot burnt in places to a slight buff color. Condition is very good. A few small spots inside the tray rise above the glaze and are burnt brown so dating to the firing. Length 8 1/2 inches (21.59 cm). Width 4 1/2 inches (11.43 cm)

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