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I found this nice 9 1/2" bowl at a thrift shop and was wondering if anyone has any info about the age or the maker.It does have a few iron spots here and there. The mark on the bottom I found on Gotheborg's site as "Aoki" but they say it's unknown or maybe a family name. Thanks for any help and expertise. -Mike-

A quick search of Aoki via Google and liveauctioneers.com suggests this kiln probably didn't operate, at least under the same name, much earlier than the Taisho period (1912-26). I reviewed Arita kiln marks and the English index in the 1882 James Lord Bowes book and found no apparent mention of the kiln. Hope this helps narrow things down.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Thank you Bill it does help. Here is the bit of info Gotheborg's site had which I meant to add to the post. Other info seems to tie to Aoki, Porcelain made in Arita. Full name: Aoki Kyodai-Shokai (Aoki Brothers Company) or Dainippon Hizen Arita Aoki-sei. The Aoki Kyodai-Shokai was founded in the 1890's by Aoki Jinichiro (1863-1955). I also had the odd green "Ao" Imari piece posted back in November. Just wonder if you had seen that and your thoughts. It's an odd shape and the design in part is bizarre to say the least. Thanks Again -Mike L.-

URL Title :Ao Imari Plate

If you see my story about meeting the great grandson of the original Master potter pf the Aoki family kiln at the link below, it will help shed light on this a bit. They have several marks, this one is simply Aoki. They were originally a Meiji period Hizen Imari kiln then shut down for a while now reopened. A link to their current kiln site can be found on my "Favorites" links in our store homepage.

URL Title :Rare Set of Antique Japanese Bowls/Plates from the Historical Hizen Arita Aoki kiln

Thanks so much for the info Sharon. It has been a while since I posted this. I almost forgot about it because it's packed away. What an interesting story. You were so fortunate to be able to talk to the family.The bowls are lovely and give me some idea as to the possible value of mine. It's seems Japanese porcelain always takes a back seat value wise to Chinese but in all honesty I think it's just as beautiful. -Mike-

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