Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
An exceptionally rare and atmospheric Japanese underglaze blue (sometsuke) porcelain charger depicting a gaunt, stylized Honshu wolf howling at the moon against a panoramic landscape featuring Mount Fuji. The rim is framed with a fine interlocking tortoiseshell (kikkō) diaper border, while the exterior shows classical scrolling lotus/karakusa motifs.
Story
Centuries before its extinction in 1905, the Japanese Honshu wolf was revered as Okuchi no Makami—a sacred mountain guardian spirit. This plate captures that lost creature howling toward Mount Fuji under a full moon.
Maker / Origin
Produced by skilled artisans in the legendary ceramic hub of Arita in Saga Prefecture, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Arita kilns (often broadly categorized as Imari ware after the port of export) combined Chinese ceramic influences with distinctly poetic Japanese folklore and landscape painting traditions.
Condition & Value
Displays honest age-consistent wear, including minor rim glaze fretting/pinhole kiln adhesions and light foot rim discoloration typical of early kiln firing, but appears free of major hairlines or restorations. Excellent original state for its age supports solid collector interest.
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.