Antique Meiji Japanese Sumida Ware Ryosai Figural Pottery Bowl - 5\" - Signed For Sale

Up for sale is a fascinating and highly collectible piece of authentic Japanese Sumida Gawa (Sumida Ware) art pottery, dating back to the mid-to-late Meiji Period (circa 1880s–1890s).

This piece features an incised signature stamp reading "良斉" (Ryosai) on the bottom, identifying it as a product of the prestigious workshop of master ceramicist Inoue Ryosai. It features no export marks like "NIPPON" or "MADE IN JAPAN", indicating it is a very desirable early period or domestic-market piece.

FEATURES & DESIGN:

- Classic high-relief three-dimensional appliqués (Taka-ukibori) featuring a bald figural character (Rakan/disciple) peeking over the rim alongside expertly sculpted animal head accents.

- Thick, dripped blackish-green glaze cascading down the exterior rim.

- Traditional unglazed red-orange/cinnabar cold-painted slip base.

CONDITION REPORT:

- Structural Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Amazingly, there are NO chips, cracks, flea bites, or structural repairs to any of the fragile high-relief figures or the rim, which is exceptionally rare for Sumida ware of this age.

- Surface Condition: Worn interior paint. The cold-painted red coating inside the bottom basin shows heavy, historical flaking and natural wear from time and use (please see close-up images). This classic patchiness is typical for used antique Sumida ware and serves as excellent proof of its genuine Meiji-period age.

DIMENSIONS:

- Diameter: Approx. 5.25 inches (13-14 cm)

SHIPPING & HANDLING:

Will be packed with professional care using heavy-duty bubble wrap and a sturdy box to ensure the delicate figures are completely safe during transit.