Topic: Porcelain Bowl or Ashtray (Maybe)...

[notmuchpottery]

Hi all. Purchased about 10 years from a flea market. Has signature to the base. I am assuming it is Chinese but I may well be wrong. Looks like gold painting on top but it is quite hard to capture. Any help on age and information on this piece would be greatly appreciated. Once again. I know nothing on pottery or porcelain so please 

-Kane

[notmuchpottery]

Some more pics...

[keith]

Hello Kane,will need better picture of the marks please,
                                                                           Keith.

[antiquerose123]

Hi there, and Welcome to the Board    Can you get a clearer, closer pic to post?  try taking a pic with a magnifying glass?  Does your camera have a close-up mode?

Keith is good at reading these.....and again welcome 

[Anne]

Indeed, as is Steven, so please do add a clearer pic and we'll see what we can do.

[antiquerose123]

Indeed, as is Steven, so please do add a clearer pic and we'll see what we can do.

.....and Steven too.       THEY know their marks !!

Sorry I could not remember his name.....so need a bigger pix for the marks.  Thanks Anne for pointing that out

[notmuchpottery]

Ok...I hope this is better? You might need to turn your monitor upside down, clockwise or anti-clockwise to read properly though! 

[keith]

Yep,it was upside down,never mind,I think it's Japanese,the two characters on the right look like 'Kutani',will have to get back to you later on the others,got orders from the OH,shopping time!

[Anne E.B.]

I like a man who knows his place! 

[keith]

Life is easier when you do as you're told,rule number one,never argue with a woman,any away back to the pottery,it says 'Kutani' on the right side going down and on the left 'Eiraku' ( makers name I think)From what I've been told Japanese potters were as bad as doctors when it comes to writing,no disrespect to any present,will see if I can put a date to it,
Keith.

[Tigerchips]

The Crane in flight is a symbol of immortality, that's all i know, lol. It is a crane isn't it? 

[keith]

Is that a crane,bit bleary,or is that my eyes or is it the drink?

[notmuchpottery]

Many thanks Keith. So this might be oldish then? At least pre-50's which is my usual style. I will try and get a clearer pic of the detail after work. I believe it is a crane and what looks like oil/scent burners and something else. Hopefully not a bad find for $2. 

When I get a chance I will do some reading on Kutani and Eiraku. 

[notmuchpottery]

Hi Keith, is Kutani porcelain really common? I might be selling this and am not sure if I should. I have been doing a bit of research but this piece/porcelain in general confounds me.

Any extra info you could provide would be appreciated.

[keith]

There's lots about varying in quality and price,not sure about dating Kutani most of what's on ebay seems to be early 20th,the less well decorated probably mid 20th,best I can do, sorry no idea of prices,
                                                                          Keith.

[keith]

P.s,if it is Eiraku it could be 1890-1900.

[notmuchpottery]

Many thanks Keith. Not sure if I want to sell it. The price doesn't matter too much since I bought it so cheaply. Listing with the correct information is my main concern so I can hopefully attract the right type of buyer.