Old Imari Bowl with Three Fruits Motif (Edo Period / Included Work)

Order

Product Code

250305-6

Period

Edo Period
End 17th Century-Early 18th Century

Weight

1,053g

Diameter

21.3cm

Height

9.2cm

Base Diameter

10.8cm

Fittings

Paulownia Box

Provenance

「Old Imari Japanese Ceramics 8」, Published by Chūōkōron-sha, P86, No128, Included Works

Condition

Intact

The work exhibits a harmonious balance of robust form, refined glaze, and exceptional firing—qualities that fully meet the standards of a first-class work. While slight flaking of the green glaze is visible on the exterior, it does not detract from the overall aesthetic appreciation.

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This is a finest example of Old Imari, referred to as jun-gata—a top-tier piece that closely follows the standards of Katamono. The Genroku era (1688–1704) marked an unprecedented period of economic prosperity, during which affluent merchants led a flourishing culture of opulence. Katamono produced in this era represent the pinnacle of Old Imari artistry and technical refinement

Based on the techniques of doucai and iro-Nabeshima—in which cobalt outlines are first applied in underglaze blue, followed by overglaze enameling within framed areas—the interior features a meticulously rendered Three Fruits motif: peach, pomegranate, and finger citron. Delicate brushwork and harmonious coloration lend a quiet radiance to the surface of the vessel.

The deep, lustrous red roundels stand out with exceptional brilliance, evoking the aesthetic aspirations of Jiajing era Kinrande ware.

The peony motif blooming in green enamel resonates gracefully with the red overglaze decoration, further enhancing the dignity of the vessel.

This distinguished piece is featured in the authoritative volume Japanese Ceramics Vol. 8: Old Imari, attesting to its esteemed provenance and cultural significance.

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Old Imari

Old imari refers to the porcelain produced in arita, hizen province, during the middle edo period. While it is known for domestic works such as katamono, its main focus was on a variety of export works that stimulated a taste for exoticism. As arita porcelain secured its place in the global market as the best alternative to jingdezhen porcelain, a division of labor system was established by skilled artisans to mass produce high quality works. Old-imari is characterized by the extensive use of overglaze enamels and gold on blue and white porcelain, exemplified by the dazzling “Kinrande”. Reflecting the cultural prosperity of the Genroku era（1688-1704）, it created a world of elegance and splendor. Originally, this decorative technique was perfected at the jingdezhen kiln during the Jiajing era（1522-66）of the ming dynasty, and is filled with the luxurious taste of fired gold foil. In europe, the porcelain room, where the interiors of palaces were decorated with porcelain, became popular among royalty and nobility as a symbol of wealth and power. Here, porcelain served not only as art objects displayed on shelves and walls but also as furnishings for entertaining guests. Consequently, many works can be found with worn out colors and gold due to age related deterioration. The terms “Old-Imari”, “Old-Japan” and “Imari-Ware” are still used today as affectionate names for hizen porcelain by pottery enthusiasts and collectors both in japan and abroad.

https://tenpyodo.com/dictionaries/old-imari/

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Katamono

“Katamono” refers to a distinguished group of Old Imari made for domestic use, characterized by rich coloration and Kinrande-style decoration. The term implies a “masterwork that fits the mold of excellence,” and pieces of comparable quality are sometimes referred to as jun-gata (“semi-katamono”). Notably, the term “Katamono” does not appear in Edo period documents and is believed to have become established in the Meiji period. Katamono stands apart from the mass-produced export Imari ware made for European markets. Instead, it fulfilled the refined demands of feudal lords and wealthy merchants, representing the highest echelon of Old Imari enamel decoration. Although not originally intended as offerings to the shogunate or regional domains, their exceptional quality earned them the honorary title kenjō-de (“presentation-grade pieces”). The designs are meticulously rendered and imbued with auspicious and narrative motifs, including red roundels with dragons, stormy seas (araiso), the immortal Kinkō riding a carp, five sailing ships, the character for longevity (kotobuki), treasure motifs (takara-zukushi), princess dishes (hime-zara), and ceremonial arrows (yumi-hama). The forms are equally diverse, encompassing round bowls, helmet-shaped bowls (kabuto-bachi), spinning-top-shaped bowls (koma-gata bachi), and flat bowls. Katamono pieces were treasured as confectionery bowls for tea gatherings, celebratory gifts, and vessels for formal banquets. Even after reaching their peak during the Genroku era (1688–1704), they continued to be produced as a major category of Imari ware. However, their quality gradually declined with the passage of time.