Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic Nabeshima porcelain bowl featuring a vibrant underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome enamel (iro-e) design of a flower basket filled with seasonal blossoms. The exterior is adorned with the characteristic comb-tooth pattern (kushitade) on the high foot ring and elegant underglaze blue floral scrolls.
Story
Created exclusively for the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate, Nabeshima ware was never sold commercially during the Edo period. This exquisite bowl, depicting a traditional flower basket, served as a prestigious diplomatic gift.
Maker / Origin
The Nabeshima clan maintained a highly secretive, official kiln in the secluded mountains of Okawachiyama. Master potters, painters, and glaze specialists worked under strict surveillance to ensure their revolutionary techniques and designs never leaked to rival clans.
Condition & Value
The bowl shows a prominent hairline crack running from the rim down into the body, which has been stabilized but remains visible. There is minor wear to the foot ring and slight glaze abrasions consistent with age. The damage reduces the potential market value by approximately 60-70%.
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.