Domestic Use

Ewers were primarily used as containers for liquids. It is not entirely clear what this Japanese jug was used for specifically , but we can hypothesize that it was a pitcher for pouring wine during dinner, and thus had a domestic use - this is what the silver mount with Dionysus and Silenus would suggest. But it could have contained other liquids as well; perhaps, simply water?

This exotic ewer might also have had a second, decorative function. This type of porcelain was more expensive in Europe than any other type of Asian porcelain at the time, and its rarity may well have discouraged its use, making it a purely decorative object . Moreover, the depicted scene on the porcelain body of two figures around a rock with blossoming trees were typical scenes for garniture in other places of Europe.

During the 16th century, the Dutch sent ships to Asia in order to gather objects from the Far East, such as silk, spices, porcelain, to bring back to Holland. This import by the Dutch East India company (VOC) introduced many people in Holland to these exotic porcelain pieces.

The porcelain pieces gained popularity very quickly. This is perhaps best seen from 17th century porcelain pieces that were portrayed in Dutch still-life paintings. The type that was regularly portrayed was the kraak style and underglazed blue-and-white. Famous paintings of Dutch artists Johannes Vermeer and Willem Kalf depict these porcelain ewers, which are similar to ours.

These paintings perhaps hint towards a third, practical use of this ewer. By observing paintings [1] and [2] of the famous Dutch artist Vermeer and painting [3] of Kalf, we can make some interesting remarks on its usage. The painting of Vermeer portrays the interior of a Dutch house, two individuals and furniture, while in the painting of Kalf we see the ewer on a table with fruits and a plate. On the table there is a beautiful Japanese ewer [1] very similar to ours. The painting depicts a 17th century household in Holland, suggesting that Japanese porcelain ewers were popular in Dutch society, and indicated wealth and social status.Used sources: Pierson, S. “The movement of Chinese ceramics: Appropriation in global history.” Journal of world history, 23 1 (2012): 9-39. pp. 17; Impey, O., C. J. A. Jörg and C. Q. Mason. Dragons, tigers and bamboo: Japanese porcelain and its impact in Europe. Toronto: Gardiner museum, 2009. pp. 105; Burns, Margaret McCunn.”Chinese and Japanese porcelain in Dutch and Flemish still life paintings 1600-1720”. PhD diss. University of Chicago, 2013, 31-41.

After a life on the tables of Dutch families, our ewer ended up in the collection of the Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen. Want to know what happened with Kakiemon porcelain? Then click below.