Kutani, Original Aochibu Pattern, Meiji/Taisho Era, 35 pieces. Circa 1908

My Great Grandfather, Arthur John Slagter, worked with Royal Dutch Shell about 1908 in Japan. He brought this Kutani Aochibu porcelain set home with him when he returned to the United States. He spent about 10 years in Japan. They have been in my family for about 100 years. I am the fourth generation to enjoy this beautiful craftsmanship.

They are in perfect condition, no chips, scratches or cracks with the exception of one of the large covered bowls where the top was cracked in half and someone glued it back together. (see photos) I have no idea when. 

There are 35 pieces in all. Please see photos.

They are late Meiji or early Taisho period as My great grandfather spent about 10 years in Japan with Royal Dutch Shell and some of the pieces are marked with "Great Japan" in Japanese. They were made for my family as you can see my grandfathers initials on the bottoms of the plates and teapot.

After returning to the US my great grandfather’s son, Arthur John Slagter, Jr. formed an independent oil production company, Slagter Producing Company. They were a very successful independent until the late 70’s when “big oil” forced many independents out of the industry. They were also involved in the mining of Uranium, for the government, in Utah in the 50’s. This set has been passed down from my great grand father to my grandfather and to my father and I have owned it for the past 20 years.

One of the covered teacups has something written inside it. I cannot translate that but believe it to either be a poem or something about my family and their position with Royal Dutch Shell.

The Kutani Ino seihou Co. ltd. in Japan wrote back to me and said the quality of these pieces is equal to, if not better, than the work of the living master of Aochibu, Nakata Kingyoku, in Japan who is one of the few artists still practicing the art of Aochibu.

The pattern is called “Aochibu”. “Ao” means blue color, “chibu” means dot in English. Aochibu has three colors of dots - blue, white and gold. Blue is the most popular. Aochibu was developed around 1910 in Kutani district. The dots are painted by hand, one by one. Some works have a swirly pattern. High skills are required to paint each unique dot size, color and shape. The Kingyoku family has developed the skills to the highest level. Second generation Kingyoku Nakata has become the best potter in Aochibu works. He is a Master craftsman recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the recipient of many prizes.

This is a set of the original design during the years it was first developed in Kutani district.

If you have a contact for Kingyoku Nakata I would greatly appreciate you sending it to me. Being a contemporary artist myself I believe Mr. Kingyoku would enjoy seeing this work which started the Aochibu design that he has developed for his master works today.

Several pieces are signed “Bunzan”. I can find no information about Bunzan, whether it is a kiln or an artist. I did find a painter named Bunzan from the same period but could find no evidence he was involved in the creation of Aochibu before concentrating on painting.

I would appreciate any information as to who or what Bunzan is and an approximate value with consideration for any additional value due to providence and the fact it is some of the original work done which has set a style still in production today.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Philip John Slagter
philipslagter9@gmail.com