Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is an exceptionally large overglaze polychrome (iro-e) porcelain sobachoko cup featuring a dramatic encounter between a dragon and a tiger among bamboo and flowering plum (Shochikubai motifs). At nearly 12 cm in diameter, its unusually large size ('tokudai') marks it out as a premium vessel likely made for a prominent merchant or samurai household rather than everyday casual dining.
Story
Edo period dining culture turned humble soba noodle cups into canvases for cosmic mythology. Here, the dragon of the heavens and tiger of the earth face off across bamboo shoots, symbolizing power, resilience, and balance.
Maker / Origin
Produced in the famed porcelain centers of Hizen province (including Arita), these pieces were hand-painted by specialized ceramic artisans. Masters of overglaze enameling (aka-e and iro-e) applied vivid iron-red and polychrome glazes over hard-paste white porcelain body after an initial high-temperature firing.
Condition & Value
Appears to be in very clean condition with no visible cracks, chips, or major glaze loss from the provided photos. Unmarked smooth foot ring show light expected wear. Excellent condition significantly supports value. Driven by the rare oversized dimensions (tokudai), classic dragon/tiger motif, and excellent state of preservation.
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.