Japanese porcelain tea or condiment bowl with floral motif
Decorative art, ceramic vessel • Japanese workshop, possibly Arita or Kutani region; marked with 'Zheng' (正) character in underglaze blue
Style & Movement
Arita-ware influence (specifically Kakiemon-derived style)
Medium & Technique
Porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze iron-red and green enamels
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (late Meiji to early Taisho period)
Dimensions & Format
Circular vessel, approximately 6–8 cm in diameter (tea bowl format)
Subject Description
Delicate floral spray featuring stylized chrysanthemums or wildflowers with green leaves and iron-red petals, executed in a sparse, elegant composition typical of Japanese aesthetic sensibilities
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair - Visible signs of wear on the foot rim and some discoloration or staining near the base
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely exported as part of the decorative arts trade during the late 19th or early 20th century
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of Japanese export porcelain that demonstrates the endurance of Kakiemon-style aesthetics in the late Edo and Meiji eras
Notable Features
Single character mark '正' (Zheng/Masa) in underglaze blue on the base, denoting either the maker or a mark of quality/correctness
Condition Issues
Crazing or staining in the glaze near the foot, minor kiln grit on the base, and slight wear to the overglaze enamels
Conservation Recommendations
Avoid abrasive cleaning; gentle hand washing with pH-neutral soap only; display away from direct sunlight to preserve overglaze pigments