Overview
An exquisite Japanese Ko-Imari porcelain serving bowl (Kashi-bachi) featuring a striking deep cobalt blue (ruri) exterior decorated with gold-gilt floral scrolls. The interior is brilliantly painted with bold red medallions (aka-tama), tassels, and a central underglaze blue and overglaze enamel dragon roundel, bearing an apocryphal Chinese Ming Dynasty 'Chenghua' or 'Jiajing' style mark on the base.
Story
Created in the historic kilns of Arita, this bowl was designed to dazzle elite Japanese diners. Its bold red medallions and gold-on-blue exterior represent the peak of Edo-period luxury, blending local tastes with global trade ambitions.
Maker / Origin
While the specific workshop remains anonymous, this piece was crafted by master artisans in the Arita region, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. These craftsmen perfected the difficult multi-firing technique required to combine underglaze blue, overglaze enamels, and delicate gold leaf on a single vessel.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in very good antique condition. There is some expected light wear to the gold gilding on the exterior floral scrolls and the rim, which is typical for a piece of this age. No major cracks or chips are immediately visible in the photos. Excellent preservation of the red enamel inside.