This jar was made in Arita for export to Europe and was probably commissioned by the Dutch East India Company at a time when Chinese wares were temporarily difficult to obtain.

This is one of grandest designs in Kakiemon and was much coveted in European collections.

The shape is Chinese and the panel design shows two Chinese figures, one holding a Chinese-style fan, the other a domed parasol. The parasol is depicted without ribs, as if the painter was following a model that left him highly confused. The inspiration for the composition of plum, chrysanthemum and bamboo with oversized bird and blossoms comes from the Chinese enamels of the late Kangxi period (1662-1722), and the figure types can be found on 17th century Chinese blue and white export wares of the Transitional period (1620-83).