Imagine a wave frozen in ceramic form—deep cobalt blue cascading to turquoise, captured in the gradient glaze that defines this exceptional Arita platter. This large serving dish belongs to the prestigious Nanban lapis tradition, where Portuguese maritime influences met Japanese ceramic mastery during the Momoyama period, creating a visual language that collectors worldwide recognise instantly. The piece emerged from a private Japanese estate collection, its provenance tracing to the Meiji era when such platters graced the tables of prosperous merchant families. The gradation technique employed here—rurizukakiwake—requires firing at precisely controlled temperatures, allowing cobalt oxide to flow naturally across the porcelain canvas. Master potters in Arita's kilns spent generations perfecting this delicate balance between control and serendipity. The result captures something profound: the way Mediterranean waters deepen from shore to abyss, a chromatic journey no two pieces replicate identically. What distinguishes Arita's Nanban ware from standard blue-and-white porcelain lies in its adventurous spirit. When Portuguese traders arrived in sixteenth-century Japan, they commissioned exotic shapes and bold glazes that defied local convention. This platter embodies that cultural exchange—its generous diameter accommodating Western dining customs whilst maintaining the technical excellence Japanese ceramicists refused to compromise. The rim remains perfectly circular despite the flowing glaze, testament to the thrower's wheel control and kiln mastery. For contemporary European interiors, this platter offers remarkable versatility. Mounted on a minimalist gallery wall, it becomes a three-dimensional painting—the glaze catching afternoon light to reveal previously hidden tonal variations. On a Scandinavian oak dining table, it grounds the composition with historical gravitas whilst the blue gradient harmonises with modern monochrome palettes. Copenhagen design houses have recently embraced precisely this aesthetic: historic Japanese ceramics juxtaposed against clean Nordic lines, creating dialogues across centuries and continents. Condition merits honest discussion. The platter exhibits minor crazing consistent with age—hairline networks visible under magnification but imperceptible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance. Two faint rim scratches, each approximately 8mm long, suggest careful use over decades rather than display-only preservation. No chips, cracks, or restoration work compromises structural integrity. The foot rim shows expected shelf wear—glaze loss where generations of hands lifted and replaced this substantial piece. Arita porcelain occupies museum collections globally, with major holdings at London's Victoria & Albert Museum and Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum documenting the Dutch East India Company trade routes that first transported such wares to European courts. Contemporary auction records confirm sustained collector demand, particularly for Nanban pieces demonstrating this calibre of glaze work. This platter represents more than decorative arts—it captures a moment when maritime trade transformed aesthetic vocabularies, when Japanese potters reimagined their centuries-old craft through foreign eyes. For those seeking objects with genuine historical resonance, pieces that spark conversation whilst serving functional beauty, opportunities like this arrive infrequently. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in Arita porcelain and traditional Japanese ceramics, guaranteeing this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.