Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An exceptionally large, 44cm porcelain charger decorated in the Nabeshima style, featuring mythical kirin (beasts) leaping through a dense sea of green seigaiha (blue ocean waves). The underside is adorned with traditional underglaze blue floral scrolls and a comb-tooth pattern on the foot ring, centered by an apocryphal six-character Chinese Chenghua mark.
Story
Created in the early 1900s, this massive charger revives the ultra-exclusive ceramic style once reserved solely for Japan's imperial court and Shogunate elite. Its dense wave pattern represents a prayer for eternal peace and resilience.
Maker / Origin
While bearing an apocryphal 'Great Ming Chenghua Period' mark—a common practice in Japanese porcelain to denote high quality—this piece was crafted by highly skilled artisans in the Arita region. These workshops specialized in reviving the prestigious, highly technical Nabeshima kiln techniques for wealthy domestic collectors and international exhibitions.
Condition & Value
The charger appears to be in excellent condition with vibrant enamels and intact gilding. There are minor kiln firing imperfections on the reverse near the mark, which are typical of period production and do not detract from its value. The original wooden box shows age-appropriate wear and helps preserve the piece's 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.