Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a Japanese underglaze blue (sometsuke) porcelain hi-ire (fire pot) traditionally used to hold hot charcoal in a tobacco tray (tabako-bon) or chanoyu setting. The cylindrical vessel features a lively hand-painted shishi (lion dog) beneath pine branches, an iron-dressed brown rim, and an iron-slip foot ring. The piece is accompanied by a custom black-lacquered storage box (tomobako) with tied cord.
Story
Japanese tea gatherings often included a smoking tray where a small vessel called a hi-ire held glowing charcoal over ash. Hand-painted with a mythical shishi guardian, this porcelain pot turned a functional hearth tool into high art.
Maker / Origin
The underside displays a single blue character mark resembling '華' (Hana/Ka) or an associated workshop seal. While the owner's label transcription suggests 'E-Karatsu tea bowl' (likely misassociated packaging or poetic tea labeling), the ceramic body is classic sometsuke porcelain from the Arita or Kyoto studio pottery tradition.
Condition & Value
Appears in very good condition with no visible cracks, chips, or restorations to the porcelain. The black-lacquered wooden box and cord show minor, gentle age wear.
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.