Japanese Antique Meiji Imari octagon blue-and-white porcelain bowl. It was made during the Meiji period of 1868-1912. It has a most excellent octagon shape which curves outward and wider at the top and rim. Each fold of the octagon is separated with a border and on the inside bottom which outlines three butterflies. Chou 蝶 is the Japanese word for a butterfly or butterflies.

It is decorated in beautiful underglaze blue on white. Each part of the octagon wall of the inside is decorating in alternating sengaki or thin line style flowers. I believe the other part of the inside walls are Japanese words which look old and could be the name of the kiln but I am not sure. It is also decorated on the outside. It has a raised foot with a double blue band indicative of the older pieces.

It is in very good condition with very few age marks and dark on the bottom as is usually seen on the old Imari. And it is a heavy old Imari bowl.

Size: Diameter 6.2 inches or 15.9 cm, Height 3.1 inches or 7.8 cm. Weight 15.87 oz. or 450 grams

Imari-yaki 伊万里

Imari-yaki is a general term of porcelain that has been produced in the Hizen area centered on the current Saga Prefecture. It has a long history. Origin is a 17 century. And it is also famous as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. This is an old good tone of blue-and-white porcelain. The work and tone are appropriate old Imari. This is a serious old porcelain bowl.

Please see our many other Imari items and with more history about old Imari and newer Arita yaki.