Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries

Was recently given this bowl, and would like to find out more about it. The bowl itself is about 9 inches across, 2 3/4 inches tall, and very heavy. The material of which it is made is quite coarse, glazed except for the ring on the bottom. I'm used to seeking artist identification, etc., on the bottom, but this has no information on the bottom. Inside, painted on under the glaze in blue, is what I hope one of the learned members will be able to tell me about. I am not knowledgeable in porcelain/pottery, and have no idea about the age or significance of this bowl and the of the printing inside. I've posted a couple of pictures, and hope one of those who are always so generous with their time might be able to help.

The central character (瀧), shown tilted on its right side, is pronounced "Long" and means a waterfall or rapids. It also is the name of a specific river in South China's Guangdong Province, which along with the blue glaze and biscuit color suggests to me that the piece probably was made in Shiwan or another kiln location in the Guangzhou (Canton) suburbs. The bowl's other markings appear to be a possible attempt to add the English word "China". If so, this would make the piece post-1890, but I could just be seeing things.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Japanese. The central character reads 瀧 which means a waterfall or a cascade.

Above this character is hiragana are the characters "te tsu shi chi u", - there might be the traces of nigori next to the Shi character, which would change the sound to Ji.

As I don't speak Japanese I can't suggest a meaning.

Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |