Saucepan Appraisal

Japanese Ceramic Saucepan and Lid

This item is a Japanese ceramic saucepan with a lid, possibly a small casserole dish or individual serving pot, designed for cooking or keeping food warm. The lid, which is the most prominent feature in the image, is made of off-white or cream-colored glazed ceramic. It has a rounded dome shape with a flat, dark brown, circular knob for lifting. The lid is adorned with a vibrant hand-painted or decal decoration featuring stylized floral and leaf motifs. The flowers appear in clusters of three, outlined in dark brown, with petals colored in yellow-orange and a lighter yellow, and green foliage. There are also distinct leaf designs, outlined in brown with patterned veins, in shades of green and blue-green. A decorative band runs along the rim of the lid, consisting of vertical brown and orange stripes framed by curved brown lines. The overall aesthetic suggests a mid-20th-century Japanese design, perhaps from the 1960s or 1970s, characterized by its folk-art inspired patterns and earthy color palette. The glaze appears to be intact, showing a slight sheen, though there are minor visible marks or scuffs on the surface, consistent with light use or age. No cracks, chips, or major damage are immediately evident on the lid. The accompanying pan or pot, partially visible, appears to be made of a dark-colored metal, possibly cast iron or enameled metal, with a dark brown handle.