Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
An impressive, deep octagonal porcelain bowl featuring a hand-painted underglaze blue mythical creature—a Qilin or Shishi lion-dog—at its center, surrounded by geometric key-fret and diaper borders. The exterior is decorated with flowing floral scrollwork and stylized geometric bands typical of Japanese export and domestic tableware from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Story
Centuries of East Asian myth come alive in this octagonal bowl, featuring a mythical Qilin beast believed to appear only during times of great prosperity. Hand-painted in cobalt blue, its sharp faceted sides echo classic Chinese Wanli export shapes reinterpreted by Japanese artisans.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned on the unglazed foot, this piece comes out of the rich porcelain traditions of Japan's Hizen province (including Arita). Potters in this region refined cobalt underglaze painting over generations, creating durable stoneware and porcelain vessels exported worldwide.
Condition & Value
Visible wear along the blue-glazed rim, including small glaze flakes, minor chips, and rubbed edges. The glaze interior shows light surface wear and minor kiln debris consistent with age. Condition issues reduce value by roughly 30%.
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.