Thank you for viewing. Item No. 643 Price reduced: ¥148,000 → ¥147,000 → ¥146,000 1️⃣ This is an "early Imari sometsuke bowl" made at the beginning of the Edo period. There are no cracks or chips. It is a compact size and comes with a matching box. 2️⃣ It dates back to 1624, approximately 400 years ago. Potters brought from Korea by Hideyoshi began making porcelain in Imari, Saga Prefecture. 3️⃣ This bowl possesses almost all the characteristics of early Imari sometsuke. It's a masterpiece that will make you fall in love with it. 4️⃣ About 40 years ago, there was a knowledgeable man in the same workplace. He was my senior from high school. He loved literature, was full of humanity, and was well-liked. I learned that he had a hobby of antiques, and from then on, we became closer, and he taught me many things. 5️⃣ On his days off, I was invited to his house several times, and we had opportunities to discuss antiques. One day, he showed me this bowl. As I was staring at the bowl in shock, my senior passionately told me about its "highlights" and "beauty." 6️⃣ The clay is thick and heavy. The unglazed surface has a thick, flowing glaze. The white base is the white of early Imari. It's a bluish silver. This white is the key. The blue of the sometsuke is a muted blue. It's a deep blue. 7️⃣ The bottom is also distinctive. It is deeply carved and curves inward. There are also parts where the glaze is not applied. This is also one of the characteristics that make up the scenery. 8️⃣ The surface depicts a landscape. Trees, houses, sailing boats, fishermen in boats, islands, etc. And the Chinese poems are: "One layer of mountains and water, one layer of sky" "Facing the lake, reading the river." 9️⃣ One day, my senior said, "I can give this to you." He is now deceased. I paid a high price, but it became a treasured item that he left for me. I am now 80 years old. I would like to pass this on to someone who will cherish it. Thank you. *Size: Diameter 15cm Height 11cm Bottom diameter 7cm Rim width 1cm *Please read my profile. If you are concerned about damage or stains other than cracks or chips, please refrain from purchasing.