Antique Japanese Lidded Bowls, Imari Indigo Blue, Set of 9, Boxed

A set of nine antique japanese lidded bowls arrives in its original wooden box, each porcelain piece hand-painted in indigo blue with continuous treasure motifs and a central Kirin motif that reflects traditional Imari porcelain and sometsuke pottery techniques. Likely dating from the Taisho to early Showa era, these covered soup bowls are sized for kaiseki dinnerware and warm clear soups, combining collectible Asian dish appeal with practical ceramic serving dish function. Minor variations in shading, slight smudging on interiors, and small irregularities in shape are consistent with vintage Japanese bowls and do not affect usability or display as décor.

Condition and authenticity

These vintage Japanese bowls show the expected signs of age for collectible Asian dishware: slight warping, occasional smudging of painted lines on interior surfaces, and small irregularities from hand production. There is no significant structural damage reported and each lid fits its bowl for serving. The combination of Imari porcelain coloring and sometsuke-style blue-white ceramics makes the set an authentic example of early 20th-century Japanese tableware.

Design and function

The continuous blue patterns and treasure motifs wrap both exterior and interior surfaces, while the Kirin motif centers the composition on lid and bowl interiors. Sized for warm clear soups and courses in a kaiseki meal, these covered soup bowls also work as individual ceramic serving dishes or as traditional rice bowls for a refined table setting. Their boxed presentation preserves provenance and eases storage or gift giving.

Care and handling

Handle with care as with all antique porcelain. Hand wash only using mild detergent and a soft sponge; avoid abrasive cleaners and sudden temperature shocks. Keep the wooden box dry and store bowls separated by soft cloth if stacking to protect hand-painted surfaces.

🌐 ーーー SHOP POLICIES ーーー

🌐 International Buyers: Standard DDU terms. Custom duties/taxes are the buyer's responsibility upon delivery.

✈️ SHIPPING

• Free Shipping: To US, Europe, and most areas. 

• Surcharges: May apply to Australia, NZ, or remote areas for heavy/large items only. We will contact you before shipping (Full refund if canceled). Small/light items always ship free worldwide.

• Courier: Securely shipped via DHL, FedEx, EMS, or Japan Post with tracking. Carrier is selected by the shop; buyers cannot specify. Urgent upgrades available (please message us before buying).

📦 COMBINED SHIPPING

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🛡️ RETURNS & CONDITION

• Returns: Accepted within 7 days. Buyer pays round-trip shipping costs and processing fees for buyer's remorse.

• Condition: Our items are authentic antiques/vintage. Naturally, they carry signs of age (scratches/wear). Please examine all photos carefully before purchasing.

FAQ

Q: Are these Imari porcelain pieces authentic?

A: The decoration and materials align with Imari porcelain and sometsuke pottery techniques typical of the Taisho to early Showa period, suggesting authentic vintage Japanese bowls.

Q: Can these be used daily as kaiseki dinnerware?

A: Yes, they are functional as covered soup bowls and traditional rice bowls, though handwashing and gentle use are recommended to preserve hand painted tableware.

Q: Does the set include anything besides the bowls and box?

A: No; the listing includes only the nine bowls with lids and the old wooden box.

Q: Are the kirin motif pottery designs identical on each piece?

A: Each piece is hand painted, so slight variations in the kirin motif and shading occur, which is typical for collectible, hand painted tableware and adds to their charm.