Art History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Art History - Essay Example Plate with Peony Design and Dish with String of Camellias were both plates. These two pieces of ceramic came from the Arita region Saga Prefecture, Japan. Plate with Peony Design is dated to approximately 1650-1700 A.D. The Dish with String of Camellias is dated around fifty years later at approximately 1700-1750 A.D. The Plate with Peony Design caught my eye, because of the bold colors. The background is of mustard yellow, with slightly darker yellow swirls. On this background green leaves are accentuated with dark maroon peony flowers. There is no white, only a vivid amount of darker colors, devoid of any hint of pastel. Generally a pattern or representation of flowers is delicate, but this plate was strong and bold. One could definitely see the Japanese influence. In contrast, the Dish with String of Camellias has a white background. Camellias encircle the outside of this plate, but do not touch by making a full circle. A blue chord connecting the flowers covers a little more than half of the plate. The flowers are detailed, especially the orange and white striped blooms. The camellias are also solid orange, a drab yellow, white, and blue. Once again you can see the Japanese influence by a strong depiction of the flowers. The contrast between the two plates is dramatic. While Plate with Peony Design is covered with strong background color, Dish with String of Camellias’ background is white. Whereas the Plate with Peony Design has a crowded, almost blurry design, Dish with String of Camellias has detailed flowers in order. The reason for these drastically different appearances is the plates are of different wares. Plate with Peony Design is a Kokutani ware. These wares were known for there over glazed enamels. Kokutani wares were made during the period this piece was made, so can be defined as such. Kokutani wares were made with dark reds, greens, and yellows. These are the same colors making up this plate. In