Antique Japanese Imari Bowl – Arita Porcelain - Ø 11.6 cm – Fuku Mark – Edo / Early Meiji Period (ca. 1840–1890)

Around 1879, in the famous porcelain city of Arita on the Japanese island of Kyushu, a porcelain bowl is painted with the utmost precision. Artisans apply layer upon layer of deep cobalt blue, vibrant iron red, turquoise accents, and gold. After several firings, a colorful work of art emerges, destined for the international market.

Through merchants, the bowl eventually finds its way to Europe, where Japanese Imari quickly becomes popular with collectors, art lovers, and wealthy households. Today, more than a century and a half later, this bowl still retains the same warm charm and refined beauty.

Product description

This beautiful antique Japanese Imari bowl was made in Arita during the late Edo period to the early Meiji period (circa 1840–1890). The bowl is executed in the characteristic Kinrande style, in which deep underglaze cobalt blue is combined with rich iron red, turquoise enamel, and gold accents.

Centrally perched is a crane (Japanese: Tsuru), which in Japanese culture represents a long and healthy life, because legend has it that the animal can live for a thousand years. In addition, this majestic bird represents good luck, peace, and prosperity, which perfectly complements the authentic good-luck symbol on the porcelain. Because cranes remain faithful to a single partner for their entire lives, they also symbolize eternal loyalty and marital happiness.

On the underside is the square Fuku mark (福), the Japanese character for good luck or prosperity. Although this mark has been used since the 17th century, the execution of the mark, the shape of the foot ring, and the rich color palette indicate that it was made in the 19th century.

This bowl is not only a popular collectible, but also makes an atmospheric decorative object for a display cabinet, open cabinet, curio cabinet, or stylish interior.

Historical context

From the 17th century onward, Arita grew into the most important center for porcelain production in Japan. From the nearby port of Imari, the porcelain was exported worldwide, making the name Imari synonymous with this colorful style.

During the late Edo period and the early Meiji period, exports to Europe increased significantly. Western collectors particularly appreciated the rich Kinrande palette, in which deep cobalt blue, bright iron red, turquoise enamel, and gold together formed a striking and luxurious whole.

This bowl perfectly reflects that flourishing period.

The dating is supported by several features:

• The Fuku mark (福) within a double square, executed in a characteristic 19th-century brushwork.
• The rich Kinrande color palette, which was applied more lavishly for the export market in the 19th century.
• The wide, carefully finished foot ring and the regularly formed scalloped rim, typical of the later Edo and early Meiji periods.

This makes this bowl a beautiful example of the transition from traditional Japanese craftsmanship to the flourishing international art trade of the 19th century.

Specifications

• Object: Japanese porcelain bowl
• Origin: Arita, Japan
• Period: Late Edo – early Meiji period (ca. 1840–1890)
• Material: Hand-painted porcelain
• Style: Japanese Imari (Kinrande)
• Mark: Fuku (福) within a double square
• Diameter: 11.6 cm
• Height: 5.5 cm
• Condition: Good antique condition

Frequently asked questions

What does the Fuku mark mean?
Fuku (福) means "good luck" or "prosperity". It is a commonly used mark on Japanese Arita porcelain and symbolizes prosperity and good luck.

Is this Chinese or Japanese porcelain?
This is authentic Japanese porcelain from Arita. The combination of the Fuku mark, the decoration, and the shape clearly indicates Japanese production.

What is Kinrande?
Kinrande is a decorative style in which underglaze blue is combined with iron red, colorful enamel, and gold decorations. This style became particularly popular for export to Europe.

Is the bowl suitable for daily use?
Due to its age of more than 130 to 180 years, we recommend using the bowl exclusively as a collectible or decorative piece.