Hello Bruce,

I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal,

Considering the photographs, overall pattern, mark and the painting, I concluded that this is an Entirely Hand Painted Japanese Kutani Ware Sugar Bowl, dating back to the period between 1930-1940. What we call Kutani Ware is a very interesting and ancient type of porcelain from Japan. Although the first and old Kutani wares were appear to be made in early 16th century to 17th century what we call Kutani today is the revived style of Kutani which started it's journey in the 19th century. Old Kutani pieces are knowns as Ko-Kutani, while these pieces are accepted as a branch of the newer Saikō-Kutani.

Tea Pot's decoration is characterized by a pale gold spray style colour and a specific tone of the blue, can be referred as a pale sky blue. This blue colour was heavily used in high quality Kutani wares of the 1930's. Mostly with bird figures and scenes. In your piece's case the decoration is very interesting and to me it has a high-end composition. It is not heavily decorated yet very elegant. By paying attention to the details of drawing we can say that the artist payed a significant attention to creating a scene and to precision. Faces are one of the most important signes of the uality in porcelain painting, when we investigate the faces on your piece they are rendered in an over average quality for the production period. The difference on this piece is a rat figure. The depiction of the rat is rendered quite precise. The rat is seen stealing a piece from the bag of the fisherman, the fisherman on the left is clearly afraid from the animal. And depicted in a state of panic. The lid also has a basket and a fishing rod depiction on it. Fishing rod is designed like a bambu stick. Appears to be in good condition without damage.

Entirely hand painted.

Dimensions: 3-4 Inches Tall

Condition: In good condition without damage

Provenance: Unknown.

Decorated in Kutani Style.

180-200$ for the two pieces.

60-80$ individually.

Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.