Japanese Imari Sugar Bowl and Cover by Hichozan Fukagawa for Arita

Details

Description

An elegant Japanese export porcelain sugar bowl and cover produced in Arita during the early Meiji period, circa 1870–1880. The … Read more An elegant Japanese export porcelain sugar bowl and cover produced in Arita during the early Meiji period, circa 1870–1880. The piece belongs to the rare Hichozan Fukagawa group associated with the workshop of Eizaemon Fukagawa, active before the establishment of Koransha in 1875.

Designed for Western tea services, the form stands on three feet and features large C-scroll handles and a domed cover. The decoration is executed in cobalt blue, iron-red enamels, green highlights and rich gilding in the traditional Imari export palette. Applied gilt leaves and a pointed gilded finial create a strong sculptural effect.

The central cartouche depicts a samurai warrior in yoroi armour seated upon a folding campaign chair, surrounded by geometric ornament and floral reserves inspired by late Ko-Imari porcelain. Chrysanthemums and peonies symbolise nobility and longevity. A small bird painted on the cover adds a refined decorative detail.

The underside bears the rare iron-red mark “Hichozan Fukagawa sei”, associated with early Fukagawa export porcelain of the late Edo and early Meiji periods. This short-lived mark predates the later Fukagawa Seiji factory established in 1894.

Dimensions:
Height: 18 cm
Width: 18.5 cm
Depth: 13 cm
Weight: 546 g

Condition:
Excellent antique condition with no cracks, chips, repairs or paint losses. See less