A SMALL AND UNUSUAL JAPANESE SHELL-SHAPED DISH EDO PERIOD, 17TH CENTURY The moulded body raised on a short foot, decorated to the well in underglaze blue and polychrome enamels with a design of crashing waves, with further shells and seaweeds floating on the surface of the water, the underside with karakusa scrolls and the base with a two-character seal mark, 13.9cm. Cf. M Fitski, Kakiemon Porcelain, a Handbook, p. 165, where the author illustrates a comparable mark and explains that it is unidentified, but it occurs on pieces from the Nangawara kiln produced between 1670-1700.