A Japanese Kakiemon-style bird, quail and Three friends of winter dish. Painted by by a Dutch painter to decorate a Chinese porcelain blank. The scene and quality of paintting is amazing. Three Friends of Winter These are pine, Prunus mume and bamboo. Both the pine and the bamboo remain green throughout the winter, while the early blossoms of the Prunus mume are harbingers of spring. In China the combination of the positive characteristics attributed to each motif represented the ideal character of the Confucian scholar They became a subject in Japanese painting in the 15th century, and are also found on kakiemon porcelain. The rounded surface of a porcelain bowl lends itself beautifully to their depiction, allowing them to unfold around the surface. The many imitations by European manufacturers bear witness to the popularity of this motif in Europe. Bird (Magpie) Prominently present in many kakiemon designs is a tree branch with one or two birds. These birds are hard to identify: they may not be representations of actual species, although most bear some resemblance to bush warblers. It is probable that these images can be traced back to Chinese illustrated books and/or paint- ings by the Kano School. This motif seems to have been well received in Europe. since it was taken up as an exotic subject', whereby the branch with the bird assumed emblematic characteristics. Quail (uzura) and millet (owol) Judging by the number of European imitations, this was one of the most popular motifs. The design and the painting style used on kakiemon porcelain show a great similarity to Tosa School paintings of this subject, which in their turn follow Chinese examples (see pp. 139-141). The combination is a frequently employed reference to autumn. reference; Kakiemon porcelain, menno Fitzki Condition Some fritspots/small chips at rim, 1 tiny glaze line at rim only visible at front. 1 tiny piece restuck underside rim. Size 280x40mm Diameter x Height Period 18th century Qing (1661 - 1912)