391: A COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE JAPANESE PORCELAIN

The Japanese Arita porcelain bowls decorated in underglaze cobalt blue, overglaze enamels and gilding with a central medallion of stylized flowers within a band of 'Tama' in gilt on blue, the sides with dragons and Ho-o birds above waves, the exterior with scenes of mouse children at play beneath cherry trees, the base of each bears a four character mark. The Fuki Choshun mark comprises the characters for Wealth, Nobility, Longevity and Youth and is often interpreted as meaning 'Good fortune and long life' or 'Wealth and everlasting Spring' or more pretentiously as meaning 'Perpetual Spring of Riches and Honours'! It was found on many such late 19th Century wares from the numerous kilns in the Arita area. The Japanese mythical bird called a Ho-o bird is the equivalent of a phoenix. A Tama is a Buddhist emblem, usually referred to as a 'flaming pearl.'

Additional items in this lot include a Fukagawa Vase and Imari plate.
Plate measures 9 inches, bowl is 3.5 x 8, the vase measures 1 inches. Charger measures 14 inches.
Very good condition. There are no chips, cracks, repairs, scratches or areas of heavy wear.
$400 - $600