Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
An exceptional, historically documented Japanese porcelain footed bowl featuring a dramatic overglaze enamel painting of the legendary samurai Watanabe no Tsuna battling the demon at Rashomon gate. The underside features a highly unusual, whimsical red iron oxide maker's mark depicting a figure holding a sign, identifying the piece as made by the Izumiya workshop in Yonezawa, Uzen Province.
Story
In June 1890, this magnificent bowl was presented to the prominent Meiji politician Hasegawa Naonori to celebrate his election to the House of Peers. The dramatic scene of Watanabe no Tsuna slicing off a demon's arm at Kyoto's Rashomon gate served as a powerful symbol of political courage and triumph.
Maker / Origin
The piece was produced by Izumiya, a specialized ceramic decoration workshop (Toki Yakitsuke-po) located in the Yanagi-machi district of Yonezawa. Rather than firing the raw clay, workshops like Izumiya purchased high-quality white porcelain blanks from major kilns and applied their own highly detailed, regional overglaze enamel designs.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in excellent antique condition with minimal wear to the delicate gold rim and overglaze enamels. The original wooden box is intact with clear, legible ink inscriptions, which significantly preserves the historical value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.