Porcelain Container Appraisal

Japanese Imari-Style Porcelain Stacking Jar or Container

This item is a decorative porcelain stacking container, likely consisting of two separable sections. The overall form is cylindrical with a slight tapering towards the top of the upper section. The primary material is white porcelain, adorned with intricate, hand-painted polychrome decoration in an Imari or Kutani style, characterized by a rich palette of colors including vibrant oranges, reds, greens, blues, yellows, and pinks against a white ground. The upper section features a prominent, bold orange-red flower (possibly a peony or chrysanthemum) with detailed green foliage and other smaller floral motifs. Portions of what appears to be a peacock's plumage are visible, suggesting a bird motif integrated within the floral design. A thin red band encircles the rim of the upper section. The lower section maintains a cylindrical shape and is bordered at the top and bottom with a rich reddish-brown glaze that features an intricate repeating pattern in gold or lighter brown, resembling a stylized floral or geometric frieze. The main body of the lower section depicts two peacocks or similar fowl amidst bamboo shoots and pink floral elements. The peacocks exhibit colorful plumage with shades of blue, green, yellow, and red. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with fine brushwork evident in the details of the birds and flowers. There are no immediately visible signs of chips, cracks, or repairs, suggesting good overall condition. The glazing appears uniform and glossy. The design aesthetic points to a Japanese origin, likely dating from the mid-20th century or possibly earlier, given the traditional artistry. The stacking nature suggests it may have been used for storing small trinkets, spices, or tea. The internal construction indicates two separate pieces designed to fit snugly. The brown glazed edges may be raised, providing a tactile element to the design.