Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An authentic Japanese underglaze blue (sometsuke) porcelain dish depicting a dynamic mounted warrior charging on horseback with a spear. While the owner reports this as Chinese Qing Dynasty, the diagnostic spur marks (*hari-ato*) on the base, the bluish-tinged glaze, and the specific brush style firmly identify it as Japanese Arita ware.
Story
Three tiny spur marks on the base reveal this dish was fired in an Edo-period Japanese climbing kiln. The warrior on horseback captures the fierce, dynamic samurai aesthetic popular in 18th-to-19th-century Japan.
Maker / Origin
Produced by master artisans in the porcelain kilns of Arita (modern-day Saga Prefecture), this piece represents centuries of refined underglaze cobalt painting. Arita potters perfected techniques initially inspired by mainland Chinese wares, developing their own distinct Japanese painterly traditions.
Condition & Value
Visually well-preserved with intact rim and vibrant cobalt painting. The base shows minor firing imperfections, kiln grit, and iron spotting near the unglazed footring typical of period kiln firing. Excellent structural condition preserves full market value.
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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.