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Well Not sure if My pics are too big or if there was some other problem, so if this pops up twice with two different headers, Sorry. I am trying to find any info on this piece. I don't know even what this pieces intended use is. Possible incense holder? Or chinese/japanese garden? It measures about 11 inches accross, is very finely painted in my opinion, with very interesting gold work, that almost looks like was applied much differently than most gold guild type pieces. There are endless critters. mostly insects and sea life. There is a gold frog perced on top of the rim structure, and looks like there used to be another frog or miscelaneous figure perched on the oposite side There is some damage to this piece, but this is interesting as can be to me, and am hoping someone can tell me what it is, where it's from and when it's from. any bonus info would be even more great.

Thanks in advance, Todd

Todd- Very nice piece, very rare! I would say this Japanese Kutani ware fish pond/bowl is circa 1900, going by the style of painting, the quality of the gold, and the 'Dai Nippon' mark (the three characters going down the right side: this mark was used during the Meiji era, 1868-1912). The groups of bamboo-shaped tubes on the inside would have been used for water plants. Again, a very unusual and beautiful piece.

Ed

If the "cups" are stationary, Ed is right.
Ernest

They are stationary. Thanks

Thankyou both for your replies. Both explinations would explain the water stains on the bottom side. I just asked my girlfriend again, if she could read the Japanese, I guess I was wrong when I said she couldn't. Though she still is not one hundred percent certain she says the bottom left 4 symbols say either Rantsukitei Ga or Rangettei Ga
Do either of these names mean anything to anyone? She also now nearly agreed it says kutani Sei above. It is very difficult to get a definitive answer from a japanese woman though :P Maybe yes. I have taken the liberty to add some more pics since I wished I could attach about 20 the first time.

So what would be the best way to go about figuring out an as true as possible value for this?

Hi Todd
First of all, this is a Japanese tea set in a bamboo style. One pours hot water into the cups, then empties the cups into that bowl. Cups are clean, and warm, ready to accept the tea. No clue about age.
Ernest

Todd
If it's not too much trouble, can you post a few more pics of the details of the critters and insects. I'm not going to be helpful at all, as the only thing familiar to me was the "Dai Nippon" mark; but I'd love to see more of this. It's lovely!
Regards - Gail

Here gail this should wet your apetite, I will send three more pics tomorrow of just the insects. It is late here now, daylight reveals much more detail than my flash. I will take pics of insects tomorrow. Btw, does anyone know anything about the blue plates in the background on the first pic? I have a set of three of these little guys. Very cute, and nice I thought.

I love the gold frog, he looks like he could leap in at any minute. And the buggy-eyed eel or snake! it looks like an endless array of slippery things! Thanks for the additional photos. Very enjoyable. I think regarding your plates in the background, the list will be asking for additional photos, and a photo of the bottom. Thanks for the pics.
Regards - Gail

you are very welcome, it is a fresh water eel I believe, also known as Unagi. if you Like sushi, order the unagi,. It's actually barbequed and oohhh sooooo tasty!!

Hey gail, just wanted to make sure you saw all the insect pics i added. with two other frogs, they are actually directly under the gold frog, on the outter artwork. Also, yea the gold frog is great. It's a shame there is a area where something else clearly used to be on the top. Perhaps another frog, perhaps who knows?? Anyways, enjoy the pics.

Here ya go, these are some of the stars of the piece. I must say the artist had a sense of humor, as one of those two frogs is awefully happy to be surrounded by so many delicious insects! :P

Thanks Todd,
That grinnin' frog is surely in a good place,isn't he? I agree about the sense of humor of the artist. I'll try to remember 'unagi' when I next try a little sushi. Thanks so much for sharing.
Regards - Gail

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