Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
An impressive, heavy porcelain basin featuring a central band of underglaze blue dragons and phoenixes, flanked by rich underglaze copper-red bands. It is adorned with four molded lion-mask handles holding loose rings, and comes with a traditional Japanese wooden storage box (tomobako).
Story
For centuries, Chinese emperors coveted the combination of underglaze blue and copper red, a pairing notoriously difficult to fire. This basin represents a later revival of that imperial aesthetic, complete with protective dragon and phoenix motifs.
Maker / Origin
While styled after Ming and Qing dynasty imperial wares, this piece was likely produced in the late Qing dynasty or by a highly skilled Japanese workshop in the early 20th century catering to the Japanese tea ceremony and art collecting market, as evidenced by the custom-fitted tomobako.
Condition & Value
The basin appears to be in good condition with some minor surface wear, firing flaws, and light staining on the unglazed base. The wooden box shows age-related patination and minor staining, which is typical and desirable for proving age.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.