Bowl (3) - Porcelain

Set of 3 large antique Japanese bowls – Imari polychrome and gilt porcelain – Meiji Era – Old wooden box dated 1896

Magnificent set of three large antique Japanese porcelain bowls in polychrome Imari style (Arita), richly hand-decorated with floral and geometric motifs, with delicate gilded highlights.

These pieces are likely from the Meiji period (1868–1912), pending confirmation.

The set comes with its antique wooden box bearing several handwritten Japanese inscriptions, including a date corresponding to the 29th year of the Meiji era (1896).

Decoration:

The interior of each bowl presents a particularly rich and refined composition, combining numerous traditional Japanese motifs.

Notably visible are chrysanthemum flowers, flowering branches, delicate butterflies, foliage, as well as geometric panels with lattice and cross motifs.

The decoration is executed in a magnificent palette of cobalt blue, iron red, emerald green, violet, yellow, and gold.

At the center of each bowl is an elegant circular medallion adorned with red and gold floral motifs.

A broad cobalt blue geometric border elegantly emphasizes the interior and exterior rims.

The exterior walls are also decorated with polychrome stylized motifs on a white porcelain background.

The finesse of the hand-painted details and the gilding give this set a particularly decorative character.

Old wooden box:

The set is preserved in an antique wooden box bearing several handwritten Japanese inscriptions, including:

- 三ツ鉢 (Mitsu-bachi): set of three bowls
- 錦手 (Nishiki-de): porcelain with polychrome decoration
- 明治廿九年 旧六月七日 : 7th day of the 6th month of the 29th year of the Meiji era (1896), according to the old Japanese calendar

This inscription constitutes an interesting historical testimony, although it does not by itself certify the exact manufacturing date of the bowls.

The box shows an aged patina and natural wear.

Origin: Japan

Estimated period: Meiji Period (1868–1912)

Style: Imari / Arita, Nishiki-de

Material: Polychrome enamel porcelain with gilded highlights

Dimensions:
- Each bowl: 21.5 × 21.5 × 8 cm
- Wooden box: 27.8 × 27.8 × 19.5 cm

Condition:

Very good overall condition considering age.

The three bowls show no cracks or chips.

Some light signs of use, minor manufacturing imperfections, and time-worn marks may be observed, in keeping with their age.

The polychrome decorations and gilding retain a fine overall appearance.

The antique wooden box shows signs of wear and a natural patina.

Please review the numerous photographs carefully, which are an integral part of the description.

A superb set of three antique Japanese porcelains, remarkably decorative, accompanied by its wooden box dated 1896. A beautiful collectible for enthusiasts of Japanese ceramics and Meiji-era art.