Ceramics Decorative Art Appraisal

Japanese Ceramic Bowl with Hand-Painted Motif

The item is a ceramic bowl, likely a 'donburi' style bowl given its deep, rounded shape, or possibly a teacup. Its exterior features a vibrant, multi-colored decorative motif, primarily a rich cobalt blue base color that transitions into a bright yellow or gold band around the rim. This transition is accented by a stylized wave or cloud pattern in light green, with red or orange accents, suggestive of traditional Asian artistry. The decoration appears to be hand-painted under a glaze, indicating a notable level of craftsmanship. The interior of the bowl is a contrasting plain white or unglazed ivory color. A significant characteristic is the presence of brown staining and irregular, rough patches on the interior bottom and lower walls, which could be residue from use, firing imperfections, or indicate wear and age. The rough patches might be kiln marks or areas where the glaze did not fully adhere. There is a clear red manufacturer's mark or signature, likely in Japanese characters, on the interior wall near the rim, providing a crucial identifier for its origin and potential age. The characters appear to be vertically oriented. The rim of the bowl shows a visible crack, extending from the top edge down into the blue glazed area, which is a notable condition issue affecting its structural integrity and aesthetic. The overall quality of the painting suggests it is not mass-produced, potentially indicating an artisan or studio piece. Given the traditional Japanese styling and the red mark, it is likely of Japanese origin, possibly from the late 19th or early 20th century (Meiji to early Showa era), or a more modern reproduction. The general appearance suggests it has seen regular use.