Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A substantial 29.5cm Japanese blue-and-white (sometsuke) porcelain charger featuring dynamic underglaze cobalt hand-painted motifs of a diving crane amidst pine and bamboo. Produced at the renowned Shida kiln, it displays a characteristic pale celadon-tinged glaze, energetic brushwork, and spur marks on the reverse base.
Story
Crafted in 19th-century Edo Japan, this impressive charger depicts the auspicious 'Three Friends of Winter' alongside a swooping crane. Shida kilns were legendary for scaling up hand-painted porcelain production for affluent merchant homes.
Maker / Origin
The Shida kiln complex in Saga Prefecture was active during the late Edo and Meiji eras, specialized in durable, large-scale blue-and-white porcelain chargers (ozara). Unlike delicate imperial porcelain, Shida wares combined bold artist strokes with utilitarian strength to supply domestic Japanese feast tables.
Condition & Value
Appears in very good antique condition overall with typical firing imperfections, glaze pop dots, and minor surface wear consistent with age. No large chips or obvious structural cracks visible in photos.
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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.