Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
An octagonal porcelain deep bowl (hachi) decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with crane (tsuru), pine, and landscape motifs, bearing an apocryphal Chinese Ming 'Xuande Nian Zhi' four-character mark on the base. Accompanied by its traditional inscribed fitted wooden storage box (tomobako).
Story
Centuries of tea masters revered octagonal porcelain bowls for kaiseki dining and tea gatherings. This piece honors early Ming artistry through classic Japanese brushwork, preserved securely in its custom wooden box.
Maker / Origin
Produced in the kiln networks of Hizen Province (modern Saga Prefecture), the historic cradle of Japanese porcelain. Japanese potters frequently added reign marks of esteemed Chinese dynasties like Ming Xuande to signify prestige and reverence for ceramic history rather than to deceive.
Condition & Value
Appears in very good antique condition with no obvious structural cracks or major losses visible in photos; typical minor kiln roughness and light shelf wear along the unglazed foot ring. Well-preserved condition with original box supports full market 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.