Preliminary identification

Japanese Nabeshima-Style Blue and White Porcelain Dish with Puppies, c. 19th Century

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

An exquisite Japanese blue and white porcelain dish decorated with an endearing scene of three playful puppies nestled beneath blooming lilies and garden rocks. The reverse features a classic underglaze blue scrolling floral vine border and a distinctively high, unglazed foot rim with three spur marks.

Story

Centuries ago, Nabeshima porcelain was never sold; it was created exclusively as lavish gifts for the Shogun and imperial court. This charming 19th-century dish carries on that elite legacy, capturing the universal joy of playful puppies.

Maker / Origin

Originating from the private kilns of the Nabeshima clan in Okawachiyama, this style of porcelain represents the absolute pinnacle of Japanese ceramic engineering. While early pieces were strictly controlled by the clan, 19th-century revival kilns in Arita continued these demanding techniques for discerning collectors.

Condition & Value

The dish appears to be in excellent antique condition with no visible cracks, chips, or major glaze wear. There is minor, expected kiln grit and light discoloration on the unglazed foot rim, which is typical for authentic period porcelain. Excellent condition greatly helps preserve its value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.