19th Century Japanese Arita Imari Bowl With Koi & Octopus, Circa 1850–1880

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Description

A wonderfully unusual 19th-century Japanese Arita Imari porcelain bowl, dating to the late Edo or early Meiji period, circa 1850–1880.
… Read more A wonderfully unusual 19th-century Japanese Arita Imari porcelain bowl, dating to the late Edo or early Meiji period, circa 1850–1880.
The deep, scalloped bowl is exuberantly hand-painted in the classic Imari palette of underglaze gosu cobalt blue and iron red, enriched with green and yellow enamels. Its most distinctive feature is the lively marine decoration encircling the bowl: large koi alternate with charmingly rendered octopus, smaller fish, shells, aquatic motifs and floral ornament within a dense arrangement of patterned reserves.
The interior provides a striking contrast. At the center is a traditional flower basket overflowing with blossoms and foliage, surrounded by the brilliantly colored marine decoration. Deep gosu cobalt panels and the rhythmic scalloped rim give the composition both structure and movement.
The exterior is equally fully decorated, continuing the koi, octopus and marine imagery around the body. A finely painted cobalt geometric border encircles the foot, demonstrating the attention given even to areas not immediately visible when the bowl is displayed.
The underside is unmarked, with a hand-finished foot and firing irregularities characteristic of traditional kiln production. The combination of hand-painted decoration, form and construction is consistent with 19th-century Arita/Imari production of the late Edo to early Meiji period.
At approximately 9 inches in diameter and 4 inches high, the bowl has substantial presence and displays beautifully from virtually every angle.
An especially engaging example of Japanese Imari, distinguished by its unusually animated marine decoration and wonderful combination of traditional ornament with playful naturalistic imagery.
Dimensions: approximately 9" diameter × 4" H.
Very good antique condition with expected minor surface and firing irregularities consistent with age and traditional production. No cracks noted. Please see photographs for details. See less