Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A striking Japanese porcelain charger featuring a hand-painted flower basket (hanakago) overflowing with peonies, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms, surrounded by fluttering butterflies. The underside is marked in underglaze blue with 'Hizen Shizan-zo' (肥前 栞岳造), framed by classic flying bat or stylized phoenix motifs.
Story
Crafted in Saga Prefecture, this charger depicts a traditional flower basket, a motif symbolizing abundance and the transience of beauty. The butterflies represent longevity and marital harmony, painted during a time of intense global appreciation for Japanese art.
Maker / Origin
The mark reads 'Hizen Shizan-zo' (Made by Shizan of Hizen), representing one of the skilled workshops operating in the historic Hizen province (modern-day Saga Prefecture). This region, famous for Arita and Imari wares, housed numerous multi-generational family kilns that transitioned from Edo-period feudal patronage to Meiji-era global export.
Condition & Value
The charger shows a prominent hairline crack running from the upper left rim down into the floral design. There is also minor wear to the overglaze enamels and typical kiln dust spots on the reverse. The crack reduces the potential market value by approximately 50-60%.
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.