Ko-Imari Kakiemon-Style Polychrome Porcelain Lobed Dish, Edo Period

Story

During the mid-to-late Edo period, Arita artisans perfected an asymmetrical aesthetic that left generous negative space on milky porcelain. This scene depicts a Daoist sage wandering among plum blossoms, capturing the quiet elegance of Edo literati culture.

Maker / Origin

Pioneered by the Kakiemon family lineage in Arita in the 17th century, this overglaze enameling style revolutionized Japanese ceramics. The distinctive palette of persimmon-red, turquoise-green, soft yellow, and cobalt blue on a fine white body became so prized that European factories like Meissen and Chantilly built their early reputations copying it.

Condition & Value

Appears well-preserved with vibrant overglaze enamels and no immediately obvious large breaks or repairs visible in photos. Minor glaze pinholes and typical kiln debris consistent with authentic antique firing methods.