Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A Japanese Kutani porcelain dish depicting two stylized cranes flanked by traditional blue and green geometric patterned reserves, framed by an unglazed molded medallion border. It comes complete with its original signed and sealed wooden collector's storage box (tomobako).
Story
Rooted in Ishikawa's 350-year-old Kutani tradition, this plate pairs cranes—symbols of 1,000 years of longevity—with vivid overglaze enamels and a signed paulownia box meant to preserve it across generations.
Maker / Origin
Kutani ware originated in the Kaga Province in the 17th century, renowned for its rich overglaze palette known as 'gosai' (five colors: green, yellow, red, purple, and blue). 20th-century Kutani workshops often revived classic Edo-period designs (such as Ko-Kutani and Yoshidaya motifs) for connoisseurs, packaging each masterwork in an inscribed wooden tomobako.
Condition & Value
Appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or enamel loss. The accompanying wooden tomobako shows light age-appropriate patina. Pristine condition with complete packaging retains full collector value.
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.