Large Fukagawa Porcelain Fish Bowl With Koi Carp, Japan, C.1894

An elegant Japanese porcelain fish bowl (jardinière), produced by the renowned Fukagawa Seiji kiln in Arita during the late Meiji period, circa 1894. The bowl combines refined artistic decoration with the exceptional quality that established Fukagawa among Japan's leading porcelain manufacturers.

The exterior displays the celebrated Growing Bamboo pattern in underglaze cobalt blue, iron-red enamels and hand-applied gilding. Its atmospheric landscape was created using the traditional fuki-ezumi technique, in which atomised cobalt was sprayed in translucent layers before the bamboo was carefully finished by hand, creating an unusually soft and painterly effect.

Inside, a finely painted koi carp swims through flowing cobalt-blue washes that create a convincing illusion of movement when the bowl is filled with water. The authentic Mount Fuji and Stream Fukagawa factory mark appears beneath the base, accompanied by characteristic wood-fired iron firing spots.

Still retaining its original Henry Lawrence antique shop label from Torquay, the bowl benefits from documented British provenance. Large Meiji-period Fukagawa examples featuring the rare interior koi carp decoration are increasingly sought after by collectors of fine Japanese export porcelain.

Dimensions:

• Height: 15 cm

• Diameter: 24.5 cm

• Weight: 1930 g

Condition:

Minor wear to the gilding around the upper rim. A few very light enamel surface scratches are present on the upper section, visible only upon close inspection, they do not penetrate the body and are not visible under UV. Otherwise in excellent antique condition with no restoration or repairs detected under ultraviolet examination.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.