Large Imari Namban Ship Bowl (Ko-Imari Style)

Story

During Japan's sakoku period, the Dutch were among the very few foreigners permitted to trade at Nagasaki's Dejima island. Arita artisans immortalized these exotic red-haired traders and multi-masted galleons on fine porcelain, creating a striking cross-cultural artistic genre.

Maker / Origin

Arita porcelain kilns in Hizen province pioneered Japanese ceramic production in the early 17th century, using kaolin discovered at Izumiyama. While original Edo-period Namban wares were produced for export and wealthy domestic patrons, late Edo and Meiji artisans continued crafting these elaborate grand display bowls to satisfy intense collector demand both at home and abroad.

Condition & Value

The owner notes kiln marks, stone pops, glaze chipping, surface scratching, and minor damage consistent with age or firing defects. These production flaws and subsequent wear reduce potential market value by roughly 40-50% compared to a pristine example.