Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A substantial 29.5cm Japanese porcelain charger featuring underglaze cobalt blue (sometsuke) decoration of a swooping crane amidst pine and bamboo motifs, auspiciously representing longevity and resilience. Produced at the renowned Shida kiln, it showcases the bold, painterly brushwork and characteristic blue-tinted celadon-like glaze typical of high-quality late Edo period folk-art porcelain.
Story
Crafted in 19th-century Japan, this charger displays the classic 'Three Friends of Winter' alongside a soaring crane to bring good fortune. Shida kiln artisans were famed for converting everyday tableware into expressive masterpieces of spontaneous brushwork.
Maker / Origin
The Shida kiln operated in Hizen Province during the Edo period and became widely celebrated for its distinctive, large-scale blue-and-white porcelain chargers (Shida-yaki). Unlike fine imperial wares made exclusively for nobility, Shida wares catered to wealthy merchants and regional elites, standing out for their vigorous, expressive, and slightly folk-art brush technique.
Condition & Value
Appears in very good historical condition with crisp underglaze pigment. Typical Edo-period manufacturing characteristics present, including kiln spurs on the base and minor glaze irregularities, which do not detract from value.
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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.