Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This sculptural ceramic lidded box is rendered in the auspicious form of a dynamic sea bream (tai) cresting over churning waves. Decorated with iron-brown and underglaze cobalt blue over a crackled celadon-white glazed stoneware or proto-porcelain body, it served as an ornamental centerpiece or lidded serving dish (futamono) for auspicious banquets.
Story
In feudal Japan, the sea bream symbolized good fortune and celebratory feasts. Sculpted leaping from waves, this lidded vessel concealed special delicacies at auspicious daimyo gatherings.
Maker / Origin
The Mikawachi kilns of the Hirado domain were celebrated for peerless sculptural ceramics and underglaze mastery, initially reserved strictly as official presentation ware for the Tokugawa shogunate and daimyo lords.
Condition & Value
Shows age-consistent wear, glaze crackle, slight rubbing along high-contact fin edges, and typical minor kiln frit and unglazed rim abrasions. Appears structurally intact with its original fitted lid. Value is driven by the sculptural complexity, kiln attribution, and condition.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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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.