Antique Japanese Fukagawa Koransha Imari Wise Men Phoenix Koi Fish Bowl 16"

Description

Circa early 20th century Japanese Meiji centerpiece fish bowl by Fukagawa Porcelain. Large onion shaped bowl painted on one side with a scene of figures / wise men / geishas and anthropomorphic rats, framed with brightly colored designs and a phoenix, with a trio of koi fish on the opposite side. Interior painted with blue flowers.

"Fukagawa is a family, a brand name, a place and nowadays a porcelain factory in the Arita region. Its history goes back to the seventeenth century. Its history starts with Ezaiemon Fukagawa who in 1856 became head of his family's porcelain business. In Meiji 8th (1875) Ezaiemon (1833-1889), Fukaumi Suminosuke & his brother Takeji, Tsuji Katsuzo and Tezuka Kamenosuke founded a company named Scented Orchid Company or 'Koransha' and started to produce porcelain for export to Europe and America. In 1879, Fukaumi and other members left the company and Koransha was reestablished by Eizaemon alone. After his death in 1889, his oldest son, Yotaro succeeded the company while his second son, Fukagawa Chuji (1871-1934) started the Fukagawa Porcelain Company, aka Fukagawa Seiji. The company exported a porcelain ware to Europe and America that was highly prized through the world fairs. The mark was that of the name of the company under Mt. Fuji and a Stream or only the Mt. Fuji." (Source: Gotheborg)

Condition

Good overall, hairline / natural distressing / paint wear.

Dimensions

16" x 9" (Diameter x Height)