Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This porcelain dish (approx. 7-sun size) features the iconic 'fukizumi' (blown cobalt pigment) resist technique, revealing two spirited white hares leaping beneath an auspicious stylized cloud. While referencing rare 17th-century Early Imari (Shoki-Imari) masterpieces, its crisp execution, glaze purity, and footrim characteristics point to a fine later historicist revival piece.
Story
In 17th-century Arita, potters blew cobalt through bamboo pipes over paper stencils to create starry skies. This dish captures that playful moonlit hare motif, long cherished in Japanese tea culture.
Maker / Origin
Arita's kilns transformed Japanese dining and tea culture after the discovery of local kaolin clay in the early 1600s. While 17th-century masterworks inspired generations, high-end 19th and early 20th-century ceramicists meticulously revived these iconic Shoki-Imari forms for discerning domestic tea masters and collectors.
Condition & Value
The dish presents in very sound, intact condition with kiln sand adhered to the footrim as typical of traditional wood-fired saggar firing. No visible chips, cracks, or restorations are apparent in the photos; intact condition significantly supports 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.