Hello Peter, I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal, Considering the photographs, overall pattern, mark and the colours, I concluded that this is an Entirely Hand Painted Japanese Kutani Ware Porcelain Candy Bowl, dating back to the period between 1890-1920. Based on the mark under your piece we can clearly state that it was a Meiji Period or Meiji inspired piece from Japan. The rectangular version of this mark instead of oval shape was used during the Meiji Period and was named as "Kutani Sei." which was produced in the Province of Kaga. In this piece, the artist choose to use a dual colour decoration which only composed of gilt and a bright coral colour. These unification of both was obviously one of the most iconic images of the late Meiji period porcelain pieces. We see that your piece was decorated by animals and floral, naural motifs. On one side of the outer decoration we can see a crane which is the symbol of the eternal life in both Chinese and Japanese mythology. On the other face we can see a leaf, which usually resembles the mortal part of the circle of life. Leaves are usually chosen to symbolise this idea since in nature they do grown in Spring and they turn into yellow and fall in Autumn. A leaf is like a human being from this aspect. Both decorations are painted half on the lid and half on the lower porcelain body. The lid has a handle on it in a shape of a Chinese dog, aslo referred as "Shishi". The piece has a modest interior decoration for the period with floral motifs and upper border decorations. With a wooden base. In good condition without any visible faults. Entirely hand painted.. Dimensions: 6 Inches Tall with 6 Inches of Diameter Condition: In good condition without any visible faults. Provenance: Owned by the customer's mother since the 1960's 180-220$. Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.
