Antique Japanese Ko-Imari Porcelain Cup - Tōjin-zu (Chinese Scholar and Child) Scene - 18th-19th Century

Features

Origin: Japan, Arita (有田), former Hizen Province
Period: Late Edo period or very early Meiji, late 18th – mid-19th century
Type: Ko-Imari (古伊万里) – Imari-yaki (伊万里焼)
Material: Japanese porcelain
Decoration: Tōjin-zu (唐人図), Chinese scholar and karako child (唐子)
Colors: Underglaze cobalt blue, aka-e red, green, manganese brown, gilded accents
Diameter: approx. 8.3 cm
Height: approx. 7.5 cm
Weight: approx. 152 g
Condition: Very good antique condition, slight signs of age, small firing irregularities related to ancient artisanal manufacturing, no major flaws

Description

A beautiful Ko-Imari Japanese porcelain cup, produced in the style of the Arita workshops in the former Hizen Province.

An antique piece, probably from the late Edo period, which can be cautiously dated between the late 18th century and the first half of the 19th century. It belongs to those hand-painted Imari porcelains, which are both refined, vibrant, and full of character.

The shape is simple and balanced: a Japanese yunomi tea cup, adopting the traditional and refined shape of choko goblets, with a discreet ring foot and a slightly flared silhouette. Its pleasant size allows for both decorative use or inclusion in a collection of Japanese tableware.

The exterior decoration depicts a Chinese scene, called Tōjin-zu 唐人図, with a Chinese scholar accompanied by a karako child 唐子 in a garden. It features a stylized pine, a red fence, architectural elements, and an elegant blue medallion enhanced with gold in the Kinrande (金襴手) style. These scenes were very popular during the Edo period.

The palette is typical of the old Imari world: underglaze cobalt blue, iron red, enameled greens, and gilded touches. The green foliage, blue geometric friezes, and decorative reserves give the whole a lot of rhythm.

Under magnification, charming workshop irregularities are visible in the photos: firing marks, occasional traces of underglaze blue, variations in the enamels, and hand-applied gilded accents. These details reinforce the authenticity of this antique Japanese porcelain.

The reverse is unmarked, which is common for this type of Arita / Imari production. The foot shows wear consistent with the age of the piece.

🦝 Our Opinion

A very beautiful antique Imari cup, full of charm and personality.
We particularly like its typical Edo period decoration: Tōjin-zu, the duo of the scholar and the little karako, as well as the beautiful irregularities that tell the story of the craftsman's hand.

A superb piece nearly 2 centuries old to enhance your table or simply for display!

Also discover our “Tableware” collection, where other porcelains, as well as lacquerware and ceramics, perpetuate the elegance and delicacy of Japanese craftsmanship.