Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A fine Japanese porcelain shallow bowl or dish executed in the prestigious Iro-Nabeshima style, featuring a classic flower basket (hanakago) design in underglaze cobalt blue and delicate overglaze enamels. The underside exhibits traditional Nabeshima design markers, including the repeating comb-tooth (kushide) pattern on the tall foot rim and scrolling floral motifs around the exterior.
Story
Nabeshima ware was originally created exclusively as prestige gifts for the Shogun and Daimyo lords. This elegant flower-basket design captures the refined, asymmetrical beauty characteristic of classical Japanese aristocratic taste.
Maker / Origin
Originally produced at the official kiln of the Nabeshima clan at Okawachiyama, near Arita, this elite porcelain tradition operated under strict secrecy to maintain unmatched quality. While early masterpieces date to the mid-Edo period, later 19th-century and 20th-century revivals faithfully continued these storied techniques and classic motifs.
Condition & Value
A visible hairline crack with old stabilization is present on the upper-left rim. The enamels and glaze remain bright and well-preserved. This structural rim flaw reduces overall commercial market value by roughly 40-50%.
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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.