Antique Edo Imari Porcelain Bowl With Gilt, Scalloped Rim

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Description

A finely painted Japanese Imari porcelain bowl dating to the Edo period, 18th century.

This example features a gently scalloped, … Read more A finely painted Japanese Imari porcelain bowl dating to the Edo period, 18th century.

This example features a gently scalloped, petal-form rim and a beautifully balanced composition that blends rich ornament with unusually open white space—giving the piece a lighter, more refined presence than many densely decorated Imari wares.

The interior is richly detailed in traditional iron red, cobalt blue, and gilt, with panels of stylized florals, geometric lattice, and wave-like motifs arranged in a structured radial design. At the center, a delicate underglaze blue medallion depicts an abstract landscape vignette—likely referencing rocks, grasses, and shoreline elements—rendered with a spontaneous, almost calligraphic hand.

The exterior is decorated in underglaze cobalt with a flowing lotus or karakusa-style vine pattern, punctuated by small enamel accents, creating a soft visual contrast to the more formal interior.

The foot is formed in a classic janome kodai (“snake’s eye”) style, with an unglazed ring typical of Edo-period kiln practice. Natural kiln effects including goma (sesame) spots and ash marks are present, consistent with period firing methods and supporting age.

This is a particularly attractive example of Edo Imari, notable for its proportion, restraint, and painterly quality. See less