Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An exquisite small Japanese porcelain dish featuring overglaze polychrome enamels depicting a long-tailed bird perched amidst lush foliage and hydrangeas over blue seigaiha wave patterns. The reverse displays classic underglaze blue decoration and a framed polychrome peach mark on the base. Notably, two small rim chips have been lovingly restored using gold kintsugi, adding to its historic charm.
Story
Crafted during Japan's transformative Meiji period, this dish showcases the vibrant color palette and delicate brushwork characteristic of Kutani ware. Rather than discarding the piece after rim damage, an artisan mended it using kintsugi—the traditional art of joining broken ceramics with gold resin. This philosophy treats wear as a celebrated part of the object's life story rather than a flaw.
Maker / Origin
Kutani porcelain originates from the Kaga Province (now Ishikawa Prefecture) in Japan, dating back to the mid-17th century. Revival Kutani from the 19th century became world-famous for its rich, painterly overglaze enamels featuring vivid greens, deep blues, yellows, and iron reds.
Condition & Value
The dish has two repaired rim chips clearly visible in gold lacquer (kintsugi). The hand-painted enamels on the dish's interior show light surface wear consistent with age, but remain remarkably bright and intact. Visible condition issues are stabilized by the repair.
Full Research
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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.