Enormous Imari Japanese Meiji Polychrome Bowl

An extremely large (15 5/8 in diameter) decorative Japanese Imari bowl that is colorful and very detailed, artistic. It has so much gilt.

 

The heavy porcelain large bowl is glazed in cobalt and over glaze enamels. One band at the mouth has phoenix and brocade patterns in over glaze enamels with gilt. The band next to this is a pale blue cobalt with bats, and floral scrolls. Below this is a band of court scenes with dragons in over glaze enamels and gilt. Below this is a band of pale cobalt and over glaze enamels with a design of flowers and scrolling. The central well has a pattern of gourds in pale cobalt blue. The exterior of the bowl is painted with dragons and bats.  

 

The base has two sets of foot rings. They are both rounded with the inner being unglazed. There are no maker’s marks.

 

 

15 5/8” (39.7 cm) diameter x 4 3/8” (11 cm) tall. Weighs 10 lbs 0 oz (4500 g)

 

 

One fine hairline extends from the mouth. Otherwise, there are no cracks, chips, breaks or repairs. There is some grit on the foot and one little piece on the mouth. The enamels show little wear; they are bright and colorful. The gilding has light wear.

 

An extremely large bowl that will be a show-stopper in any décor.