Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A vibrant porcelain bowl featuring the classic 'Imari' palette of underglaze cobalt blue paired with overglaze iron-red and gold. The exterior is divided into decorative cartouches containing stylized floral motifs and geometric 'shippo' patterns.
Story
Post-war Japan saw a massive revival of traditional Edo-period aesthetics for a global audience. This bowl carries the 'Imari' legacy, a style so coveted in the 1700s that European kings spent fortunes to replicate it.
Maker / Origin
While the blue square seal mark is a stylized 'fuku' (good fortune) or workshop mark common in the Showa era, it represents the collective genius of the Arita kiln traditions. These workshops perfected the balance of mass production with hand-finished enamel details.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in excellent vintage condition with very little wear to the gold highlights. No visible cracks or 'flea bites' on the rim. Excellent preservation of the overglaze enamels maintains its value. Individual mid-century Japanese bowls of this quality are common but popular.
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.