Preliminary identification

Japanese Nabeshima-Style Porcelain Plate with Persimmon Tree and Figure

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

An elegant Japanese porcelain plate decorated in the traditional Nabeshima style, featuring a seated man on a veranda beneath a fruiting persimmon tree. The design masterfully balances vibrant overglaze enamels with deep underglaze blue, showcasing classic Japanese asymmetrical composition.

Story

In traditional Japanese culture, the persimmon tree represents longevity and autumn's quiet abundance. This scene captures a peaceful moment of contemplation on a traditional engawa veranda, inviting the viewer to slow down and appreciate the changing seasons.

Maker / Origin

While bearing a blue underglaze mark on the reverse, this piece is created in the prestigious Nabeshima ceramic tradition. Originally produced exclusively for the Nabeshima clan lords during the Edo period, this style is celebrated for its high-quality white porcelain, precise underglaze blue outlines, and delicate enamel washes.

Condition & Value

The plate appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or hairline fractures. The overglaze enamels remain bright with minimal wear, and the foot rim shows clean, expected wear consistent with age. Value is driven by the quality of the hand-painted decoration and the popularity of Nabeshima-style wares.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.