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Subject:Help with Old, Marked Asian Dish
Posted By: Fred Tue, Jul 14, 2020 IP: 96.238.35.35

Hi all. I recently acquired this old, hand-painted Asian dish, with chrysanthemums and butterflies.
8.25" wide.
It looks perhaps 100+ years old to my eye.
Hand-marked on the underside, though I don't know if this writing is Chinese, Japanese, or other.
I love the little butterflies.
I've included some photos.
Can anyone help me with a translation / identification of the markings? With the age & origin of this dish.
Any help is much appreciated.
- Fred







Subject:Re: Help with Old, Marked Asian Dish
Posted By: I.Nagy Tue, Jul 14, 2020

It is Japanese,
春光製 - Shunkō-sei - Made by Shunkō
昇山画 - Shōzan-ga - Painted by Shōzan
Exported from Japan in the late Meiji era.
Shunkō-kiln from Seto
Inoue Shōzan was the name of painter.
According to a Japanese language link it can be connected to the Morimura Gumi Group (f. in 1876 -
later Noritake Company) which exported ceramics and miscellaneous goods to US.

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Help with Old, Marked Asian Dish
Posted By: Fred Wed, Jul 15, 2020

I.Nagy, thank you very much for your help!
I do find information online concerning Shunko ( now that I've been informed where to look ). Apparently this style of decoration is called " Meiji Chocolate " for the dark colors.
I've tried to find some information about the painter, Inoue Shozan, such as when he was born and when he died, but so far it eludes me.
I did find one other example of a very similarly painted dish by Shunko (" Chocolate ") - it has the exact same "Made by Shunko" marking, but has no painter's signature. I suppose this artist, Shozan, did not always sign his work. My dish is cracked and worn, but as I say, I love the little butterflies, and I've had fun researching. Again, thanks very much for your expertise and generous willingness to help. With respect, Fred.

Subject:Re: Help with Old, Marked Asian Dish
Posted By: Bill H Thu, Jul 16, 2020

The terms 'Chocolate Imari' and 'Cocoa Brown' also come up from the Meiji period and later with reference Japanese export ceramics with motifs featuring various shades of brown. Here's a 9.5-inch Fukagawa Koransha Meiji-era vase which is the epitome of 'Chocolate Imari" wares by my way of thinking. Unfortunately, the base was drilled for a lamp.

Best regards,

Bill H.






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