Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An exquisite, eggshell-thin Japanese porcelain tea bowl decorated in underglaze blue with a continuous landscape of figures in a boat. The piece is accompanied by its traditional fitted paulownia wood storage box (tomobako), indicating its esteemed status in Japanese tea culture.
Story
Crafted in the historic Mikawachi kilns, this bowl depicts a classic literary scene of scholars drifting past misty mountains. For centuries, this ultra-fine porcelain was reserved exclusively as presentation gifts for the ruling Matsura clan.
Maker / Origin
The Mikawachi kilns, historically known as Hirado, were the official kilns of the Matsura Daimyo. Renowned for producing some of the finest, most translucent white porcelain in the world, their artisans specialized in incredibly detailed underglaze blue painting and sculptural openwork.
Condition & Value
The bowl has a visible, stabilized chip on the rim that has been filled/repaired. There is minor wear to the foot rim, but the underglaze decoration remains vibrant. The presence of the repair reduces the potential value by approximately 40-50%.
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.