10 Imari bowls. Purchased in the 1960s in Japan. Size: 5-5/8" Diameter x 2" High weight of each bowl: 8oz.
unknown. One owner, my parents.
Good morning, Susan,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
These were most likely made several small condiments that would have been eaten over rice (served in a larger bowl) rather than soup or dessert and are antique, made for both Japanese use as well as for export. It's great you have such a large set. The marks translate to "Wealth, Nobility, Longevity and Youth"
Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A set of ten antique Meiji-era Imari porcelain bowls
Made in Arita, Japan, bearing "Fuki Choshun" underglaze blue marks used 1868-1912
with a scalloped rim, each with four shaped medallions issuing from the center, all set against a red ground. The underside bearing underglaze blue Fuki Choshun marks
5 5/8 inches diameter
PROVENANCE: acquired in Japan in the 1960s; thence by inheritance
$1,500-2,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you for using Mearto.
The small bowls in this inquiry are older (and rare for having survived in such a large group). The market will pay a premium for "older" and "rarer" in most cases.
Thank you for the explanation.
Thank you for the appraisal. I'm wondering why the Imari dinner plates aren't valued at the same price as the bowls in this appraisal. I am sending what I think were rice bowls next for appraisals.