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I could use some help with identifying the mark on this bowl.

Thanks!

I read it as 'Eijusai' (永壽斎).

Guy.

Are you certain this tray is Japanese? The characters 永壽齋 (Yong Shou Zhai) translate to "Studio of Longevity" in Mandarin Chinese. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, a Summer Palace landmark of the same name was residence to chief court eunuch Li Lianying. Of course there was no patent on the name, so I suppose the Japanese might have used it as a trade name too, but I found nothing identifiable with Japan when doing a Google character search of the term, except that its constituent characters can be used in Japanese personal names.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Very interesting. Im not certain its Japanese - I bought it solely because I thought it had some extremely beautiful maki-e but according to the seller its japanese lacquerware dating to the Edo period or early Meiji.

Yes, for sure Japanese lacquerware.

Guy.

I found a useful reference. The sales catalogue of the Gilbertson Collection, July 1917 labels lot 416 as follows:

"416 Eleven Sakazuki, red lacquer, with bridge post, daffodils and other flowers, Jo and Uba, signed
Raijosai ; Jurojin, signed Koami ; shipping, signed Eijusai ; minogame, signed Shomosai ;
Kiku, signed Kwansai ; mask-bearer, signed Yutokusai. 11"

Thus, one of the sakazuki sold there is signed by 'Eijusai' and may well date from the late Edo period indeed.

A sakazuki is a container was used for drinking Japanese sake. Gorgeous Sakazuki , such as those coated with Urushi lacquer and those decorated by Makie, were made for Samurai and Daimyo classes in the Edo period.

Guy.







URL Title :Sakazuki Collection of the Tachibana Family

I'm wondering if I should say "Impressed!" or if "Uncle!" would do as well. :)

Bill H

Wow thanks Guy. Very interesting reference

I presume that given the high quality artwork the dish would have a high market value if it was in good condition? Does it hold any value now with this condition?

Thanks again

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