Antique Late Edo Japanese Imari Dragon Porcelain Bowl

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A beautiful early 19th-century Japanese Arita Imari porcelain bowl of exceptional decorative quality, presented with its antique hardwood display stand. … Read more A beautiful early 19th-century Japanese Arita Imari porcelain bowl of exceptional decorative quality, presented with its antique hardwood display stand. The outstanding feature of this piece is the remarkably detailed decoration, combining rich underglaze cobalt blue and iron red with vibrant overglaze enamels and extensive gold gilding. The interior is centred by a dramatic three-clawed dragon, dynamically rendered within a circular reserve and surrounded by flaming pearl motifs. Three-clawed dragons are particularly associated with Japanese interpretations of this powerful mythological subject. Surrounding the central composition are beautifully arranged panels containing flowering sprigs, butterflies and insects, interspersed with smaller reserves incorporating stylised lotus motifs. The combination of precisely painted cobalt blue and iron red with coloured enamels and generous gilding gives the bowl an exceptionally rich and luxurious appearance. The decoration continues across the exterior, where further flowering branches, butterflies and stylised Buddhist lotus motifs echo the imagery found within the bowl. This continuity of decoration creates a particularly harmonious composition when the piece is viewed from different angles. Despite the considerable complexity of the decoration, the overall composition retains the balance and elegance characteristic of fine Japanese Imari porcelain. A striking example of high-quality early 19th-century Arita Imari porcelain, combining a classical dragon subject with exceptionally detailed floral, insect and symbolic decoration. The bowl is accompanied by the antique hardwood stand shown. Period Edo Period Date of Manufacture Early 19th Century Dimensions Diameter: 20 cm (8 inches) Height including stand: 18 cm (7 inches) See less