Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a fine set of five octagonal Japanese porcelain mukozuke (side dish bowls) decorated in classic Kakiemon overglaze polychrome enamels. The interior depicts swooping phoenixes (hō-ō) among delicate floral sprays, framed by iron-brown rim lines (fuchibeni) and housed in a traditional fitted multi-tiered wooden tomobako.
Story
A 17th-century Japanese master named Sakaida Kakiemon unlocked a milky-white porcelain formula called nigoshide. His delicate, asymmetrical enamels enchanted European royal courts, sparking countless global imitations.
Maker / Origin
The Kakiemon kiln lineage in Arita is among the most revered in ceramic history, renowned for perfecting multi-color overglaze enameling on translucent porcelain bodies. Generations of the Sakaida family maintained this craft, inspiring European giants like Meissen and Chantilly. The wooden storage box bears Japanese calligraphy identifying the style and form as Kakiemon-style octagonal bowls.
Condition & Value
The porcelain bowls appear in very good to excellent condition with crisp enameling, intact rims, and clean foot rims. The wooden tomobako exhibits minor age-appropriate surface wear and paper label remnants, which does not diminish the set's desirability.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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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.