Edo Period Large Japanese Export Imari Bowl Finely Detailed

Antiques : By Period, Style : Japanese Imari : Edo & Meiji Periods

 

This stunning bowl is an excellent example of Japanese export items made during the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is estimated to be circa 1840-1860 and is truly one of the more ornate patterns ever seen by those who study & collect Imari. Furthermore, it is one of the largest and heaviest Imari bowls that I've ever had the pleasure to come across. A piece like this will only continue to increase in value over the years, making this bowl an excellent investment for the Imari collector.

It seems to show quite a few of the characteristics of that time, including the bullseye base, the strong blue borders, the all-over brocade (in this case the little orange trefoil elements), an overglaze blue enamel, and I think an overglaze white enamel. It also has sepia cartouches that are sketched in such a way as if imitating etched prints on paper where a lighter & a darker brown are used to create the purplish look to the scenes. There is a 'karakusa' scroll (not really the centipede/zipper we are used to seeing) and there is a dull tomato paste color with indentations you can feel with your fingers. There is a worn gold gilding around the rim of the bowl.

We were unable to find a maker's mark of any kind, but still, this amazing bowls stands quite nicely on its own merits.

This incredible bowl measures just over 11" in diameter and stands just over 4" in height, weighing nearly 6 lbs.

Item ID: AU-1145