Overview
An exquisite Japanese porcelain charger decorated in the vibrant, early Ko-Kutani style with a central pond scene featuring a crane, lotus blossoms, and a swimming duck. The wide rim is divided into geometric panels containing finely painted aquatic life, including crabs, shrimp, and fish, rendered in underglaze blue and overglaze iron-red, green, and yellow enamels.
Story
During the 19th century, Japanese potters looked back to the bold, expressive designs of 17th-century Ko-Kutani wares to satisfy a global craze for exoticism. This charger features an apocryphal Chinese Ming Dynasty Chenghua mark on the base, a common practice used by Japanese masters to pay homage to the historic birthplace of fine porcelain.
Maker / Origin
Produced in the famed kiln regions of Arita, this piece represents the work of highly skilled, anonymous decorators who specialized in reviving historic Japanese and Chinese ceramic styles.
Condition & Value
The charger appears to be in very good antique condition with bright, well-preserved enamels and minimal rubbing to the overglaze decoration. The underside shows minor kiln grit and firing imperfections consistent with 19th-century production, which do not negatively impact value.