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This was just given to me, and I'd like to find out more about it. It's a small bowl, about five inches across, appears to have a small surface crack on the bottom. I'm kind of taken with the image, so if the learned members of the forum will indulge me, I would be grateful for any information on the artist, the figure portrayed and its significance, and anything else that might add to my education. Many thanks in advance.

Your circa mid-20th century dish has a Kutani mark on the base and a decorative theme probably representing Jurojin, one of two longevity deities found in the Japanese pantheon. See the Wikipedia link for further information on Jurojin.

Best regards,

Bill H.

URL Title :Jurojin

Hi,

The mark is Japanese: "Kutani" 九谷, which is not an artist name, but a general mark for Kutani ware. Your bowl could be from the first half of the 20th century, maybe even younger. The quality of the painting is a little bit poor.
The figure on the bowl is one of the 7 Japanese "Lucky Gods" Fukurokuju who stands voor wisdom and prosperity and is recognized by his white beard. helding a long stick and accompanied by a turtle or a crane (in this case both), symbols for a long live.

Regards,
Martin.

Thank you both for the help. Longevity ... I can live with that.

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