Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a charming Japanese Mino ware porcelain kobachi (small serving bowl) featuring underglaze blue (sometsuke) decoration of grapes and floral sprays. It boasts a fluted chrysanthemum-form rim dressed with an iron-brown glaze band (fuchisabi) and is signed 'Ninho' (仁峰) on the recessed base.
Story
Grapes arrived along the Silk Road to become a beloved Japanese symbol of fertility and family prosperity. This charming tableware piece was crafted by the Ninho kiln to bring classic Edo-era elegance right to the modern dining table.
Maker / Origin
The Ninho kiln (仁峰窯) is an established ceramic workshop in the Mino pottery region of Gifu Prefecture, renowned for producing high-quality everyday porcelain and banquet ware. They specialize in classical sometsuke (underglaze cobalt blue) patterns that revive historical Nabeshima and Imari motifs for modern Japanese cuisine.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in very good vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or heavy glaze scratching. The iron-glazed rim is intentionally mottled in traditional fuchisabi style.
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.