Japanese Arita Blue and White Porcelain Shishi and Landscape Bowl

Story

During the 19th century, Japanese potters in Arita revived classic Ming-style designs to satisfy a global obsession with Eastern porcelain. This bowl features a Shishi, a mythical lion-dog meant to ward off evil spirits, guarding the peaceful landscapes painted on either side.

Maker / Origin

The Arita region of Japan is the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, starting in the early 17th century when kaolin clay was discovered nearby. Local workshops became world-famous for their high-fired, durable white porcelain decorated with rich cobalt blue underglaze, a style known as Sometsuke.

Condition & Value

The bowl appears to be in very good condition with no visible cracks or major chips. There are minor firing imperfections and tiny iron spots in the glaze, which are typical of 19th-century kiln conditions and confirm its hand-crafted nature. Excellent condition preserves its full value.