Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This exquisite circular porcelain covered box, known as a *kogo*, features a finely rendered underglaze blue (*sometsuke*) landscape scene on the lid and interior base. It comes with its original fitted wooden presentation box (*tomobako*), inscribed with calligraphic attribution and artist seals, highlighting its status as an object for the traditional tea ceremony.
Story
Crafted in Japan around the turn of the 20th century, small covered porcelain boxes like this were essential components of the traditional incense ceremony (*ko-do*) and sencha tea gatherings. The artist rendered a serene mountain landscape using underglaze cobalt blue, creating a quiet world within a box just a few inches across.
Maker / Origin
The base bears a two-character mark ('Michihito' or 'Dojin'), while the accompanying wooden box (*tomobako*) includes ink inscriptions and seal stamps attesting to its lineage. Japanese porcelain masters who created wares for tea scholar circles often signed their works with studio names or art names (*go*) to signal high refinement.
Condition & Value
The porcelain box shows light wear consistent with age, including a small rim chip/repair trace along the inner lip. The original wooden box (*tomobako*) is well-preserved with clear ink signatures and seal marks. Visible wear to the rim slightly tempers the potential 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.