LARGE DISH, Porcelain with design of gourds on lozenge-patterned ground in overglaze enamels

This dish is an extremely rare example, with a colorful lozenge, geometric pattern covering the background over which three gourds of different sizes arranged daringly and dexterously. Such large dishes were used in banquets of auspicious events symbolizing the social status of the hosting lords. It is thus extremely rare to find two or more Ko-Kutani large dishes that bear the same design. Ko-Kutani ware, fully demonstrating pioneer spirit in its style, might have been specially commissioned by the Maeda family who devoted to patronage of art.