Posted 4 years ago
kwqd
(1189 items)
These unmarked sauce bowls are 3.5" in diameter and hand painted, in original unmarked tomobako. They are extremely thin, about the thinnest, most translucent porcelain that I have ever seen. They appear to be unused but were probably just very well cared for and very carefully handled, judging by the wear to the tomobako. The toning of the wood suggests that they are probably fairly old, but I don't have a guess as to their age. Some of the nails used to secure the tomobako have rusted way, with only the heads remaining. I had to look closely to determine that the bowls were hand painted under the glaze as the details of the ships are nearly identical from bowl to bowl but there are some minor variations. Guessing these were made in Japan based on their apparent age and style. Probably mingei ware since they, and the tomobako, are not marked. Very inexpensive little set but of good quality and nicely done.
Awesome sauce bowls Kevin, the white sailboat on blue is such a lovely serene design
Lovely little sailboat- it's so sweet and simple
Would you like to know what an old merchant trade ship from Europe is doing on a Japanese dish?
Thanks, Jenni! Very simple little bowls and I like the way the design does not overpower them.
Thanks LaurenRedmond! I really like the simplicity, too!
Hi Lisa! Guessing it has something to do with the opening of Japan to western trade in the 1850s?
Thanks for taking a look at my little Japanese sauce bowls Lisa, Ben, Thomas, fortapache, Kevin and Jenni!
WOW! Kevin, good guess. Most people have no idea. I really like your set and I agree with you, the set is older than it seems. I bought something similar by Kutani, no box, but also pristine. So hard to date.
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/266669-cute-pair-japanese-sauce-dishes-4-inches
Thanks for the comments, Lisa! I have been a history buff for as long as I can remember....
Thanks for taking a look and loving my Japanese sauce bowls Vynil33rpm!
Kevin, history was my favorite class, you might be surprised to know that French history was our subject in Quebec high schools, and English history was the subject in the other provinces.
I find that including the history of the country that you collect/buy/deal, is very helpful in many ways. So I am a history buff too to this day.
That did surprise me, but I suppose it shouldn't have, knowing what I do know of French Canadians.
What do you know? That is a loaded question......
I know they have a strong ethnic identity and there has been an active separatist movement for many years.
Thanks aura!
I'm impressed Kevin, as one from there, your statement is a good summary of who we are. It is an emotional issue for many, and a bit blind sided, as much of it is in reaction to centuries of resentment about fate, and our motto is 'Je me souviens' which translates as 'I remember'.
The separatist movement is also a reaction to misinformation about the financial viability of the province, the reality is they are another province who is supported by the richer ones with federal funding. Cooler heads have prevailed so far.
My family experience and outlook completely changed once I lived in Nova Scotia and Ontario for many years. I learned a whole different point of view, from the generous open minded NS Canadians, and the multi cultural members of the Canadian population in ON. Its a big country, and all worthwhile.
Thanks for taking a look at my Japanese sauce bowls Eileen and ttomtucker!
Thanks ttomtucker!