Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A magnificent 37.5cm Kutani-yaki porcelain charger featuring a vibrant, hand-painted scene of birds nestled among morning glories and lush foliage. The plate utilizes the classic 'Aote' (green Kutani) style, characterized by its bold, saturated overglaze enamels of yellow, green, and deep blue that cover nearly the entire surface.
Story
Created in Ishikawa Prefecture, this charger carries the soul of the 17th-century Ko-Kutani revival. Its bold yellow sky and rich green foliage were designed to bring vibrant color into traditional, dimly lit Japanese tatami rooms.
Maker / Origin
The mark on the underside reads 'Kutani Shunsai' (九谷 春仙). Shunsai was a respected workshop/artisan name active in the mid-to-late 20th century, specializing in reviving the dramatic, heavily enameled 'Aote' and 'Yoshidaya' styles of Kutani ware for modern collectors.
Condition & Value
The charger appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or major enamel loss. The foot rim shows minor, expected shelf wear, and the glaze retains its original high-gloss luster. Excellent condition like this commands the higher end of the valuation range.
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.