{"product_id":"rare-japanese-imari-sugar-bowl-hichozan-fukagawa-samurai-decor-c-1870-1880","title":"Rare Japanese Imari Sugar Bowl, Hichozan Fukagawa, Samurai Decor, c.1870–1880","description":"A finely decorated Japanese export porcelain sugar bowl and cover produced in the Arita region during the early Meiji period, circa 1870-1880. The piece belongs to the rare Hichozan Fukagawa group of export wares associated with the workshop of Eizaemon Fukagawa before the establishment of Koransha in 1875.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nRaised on three feet and fitted with large C-scroll handles and a domed cover, the sugar bowl was created specifically for Western tea services. The decoration is executed in the classic Imari palette of cobalt blue, iron-red enamels, green highlights and abundant gilding on a dense white porcelain body. Large applied gilt leaves and the pointed gilded finial give the piece a particularly sculptural appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe central cartouche contains a finely painted samurai warrior seated in traditional yoroi armour, a popular motif in Japonisme export decoration. The surrounding ornament combines geometric patterns, floral reserves and richly gilt scrollwork characteristic of late Ko-Imari porcelain, while chrysanthemums and peonies symbolise nobility and longevity.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nParticularly attractive is the small asymmetrical bird painted on the cover in quick black, red and blue brushstrokes. Visible faint horizontal lines on the body are original manufacturing and wheel-finishing marks from sectional hand construction and should not be mistaken for damage.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe underside bears the rare iron-red mark \"Hichozan Fukagawa sei\", associated with early Fukagawa export porcelain produced during the late Edo and early Meiji periods.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDimensions:\u003cbr\u003e\nHeight: 18 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWidth: 18.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nDepth: 13 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWeight: 546 g\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCondition:\u003cbr\u003e\nExcellent antique condition with no cracks, chips, repairs or paint losses.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003e\n","brand":"Gillers Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62883750445386,"sku":"B1739","price":450.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1066\/5351\/6106\/files\/il_fullxfull.8049210632_jr9o.jpg?v=1785908910","url":"https:\/\/gillersantiques.com\/products\/rare-japanese-imari-sugar-bowl-hichozan-fukagawa-samurai-decor-c-1870-1880","provider":"Gillers Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}