Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A fine five-piece set of Japanese Ko-Imari blue-and-white (sometsuke) square serving dishes decorated with auspicious Buddhist iconography, including Manjushri (Monju) riding a shishi lion and Samantabhadra (Fugen) on an elephant among scrolling flora.
Story
Fired in the famous kilns of Arita, these dishes honor Ming imperial blue-and-white porcelain while serving elite Edo banquets.
Maker / Origin
Produced by master porcelain artisans in the Hizen pottery district of Arita, Japan. During the Edo period, Japanese potters frequently inscribed high-grade wares with apocryphal Chinese Ming reign marks—such as Xuande or Chenghua—as a traditional homage to the golden age of blue-and-white porcelain.
Condition & Value
Good antique condition consistent with age. Exhibits expected kiln iron spots, minor glaze fritting along the footrims, and typical spur marks on the bases. Complete intact sets of five without rim chips or structural cracks command a solid premium.
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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.