Overview
This is a substantial, richly decorated Japanese Imari (wucai/kinrande-style) deep porcelain bowl, painted with underglaze cobalt blue and brilliant overglaze iron-red, gilt, and green enamels.
Preliminary identification
Japanese Imari Porcelain 'Boys at Play' Deep Bowl with Apocryphal Wanli Mark
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Japanese Arita potters in the 18th and 19th centuries mastered the vibrant palette of Ming-era imperial wares, creating pieces with Chinese reign marks as the ultimate tribute to classical porcelain masters.
Maker / Origin
Produced by master porcelain workshops in the Arita/Saga region of Japan. The Arita kilns were the epicenter of Japanese porcelain manufacturing since the early 17th century, renowned for combining Chinese Ming decorative motifs with Japanese aesthetics for both domestic tea masters and international collectors.
Condition & Value
The bowl shows natural wear consistent with age, including minor rubbing to the gilt highlights and characteristic softening/wear along the rim. It is accompanied by an old lacquered Japanese storage box with inscription labels, which aids preservation. Excellent structural appearance with no major visible cracks.
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Market Analysis
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.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.