Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A finely rendered Japanese underglaze blue porcelain circular incense paste box (kogo) depicting a traditional mountain landscape. The underside bears the two-character signature 'Dohachi' (道八), accompanied by an inscribed wooden storage box (tomobako).
Story
Kyoto's 19th-century master potters transformed tea ceremony accessories into miniature works of fine art. The fine brushwork on this tiny box shows a serene river landscape under a full moon, crafted for holding fragrant incense during tea rituals.
Maker / Origin
The Dohachi line was one of Kyoto's most prestigious ceramic lineages, famous for mastering Chinese-style porcelain (sencha wares) and traditional tea ceramics. Takahashi Dohachi II (Nin'ami Dohachi) and his successors were celebrated for their expressive brushwork and innovative glaze techniques.
Condition & Value
Displays a visible old repair/chip along the rim edge of the lid or base, held together with lacquer or traditional restorer's material. The original tomobako is present and well-preserved. Minor rim condition issues adjust value downward from pristine examples.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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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.