This large octagonal Arita blue and white Kakiemon type jar is decorated with two sages standing on a rock surrounded by prunus, chrysanthemum and lotus plants in bloom on the main panel under a ruyi border and a lotus scroll border on the shoulder of the jar. There is a pointed border around the neck of the jar and the base is sunken, glazed and unmarked. Porcelain was introduced to Japan in the 17th century by Korean potters and was greatly influenced by Chinese Ming Dynasty porcelain techniques. The first porcelain deposits in Japan were discovered at Arita in the Saga Prefecture on the southern island of Kysushu and the wares produced there became known as Arita ware. The prunus is associated with good looks and sturdy independence in that it flowers at a time when nothing else appears to grow. It is the flower for winter and symbolic of beauty. The chrysanthemum is the flower for autumn and steadfast friendship and the lotus is the flower for summer and purity.