Hand-painted Seyei Goshi Kaisha Vintage Lusterware Bowl 1920's 2024 Japan with Coralberry

Hand-painted Seyei Goshi Kaisha Vintage Lusterware Bowl 1920's Japan with Coralberry.

Bold Japanese Coralberry stands out in relief on this 2024 hand-painted 1920's Seyei lusterware. The leaves, fading from green to yellow over an Autumn-brown background, almost seem to be changing color with the season, and the hand-cut perforations add depth and give a small peek between the leaves and stems.

Seyei is the name for fine china made in the Seto area of Japan, which still makes the majority of Japanese china, and the Seyei Goshi Kaisha brand was represented at the 1933 Chicago worlds fair according to the official “List of Japanese Exhibitors to a Century of Progress International Exposition 1933” - University of Chicago Library.

The bottom is stamped with the Seyei Goshi Kaisha trademark orange blossom logo on the bottom, right next to the star-shaped kiln support. The molded kiln support was used instead of a metal kiln stilt while firing, and is used to support the center of the soft clay until fired, allowing Japanese potters to use thinner clay for lighter, finer pieces. The “Made In Japan” labeling helps date the piece, as this phrasing was generally used on Japanese pottery and china from 1921 to about 1939, the beginning of WW II. Touchmarks in the clay, uneven glazing, and the hand-cut perforations, show the artisan's work and give the piece character and uniqueness.

Approximately 6-1/4” (15.8cm) in diameter x 2-1/4” (5.8cm) high, and free from chips and cracks. Due to age and much handling, some light scratches and scuffing are present, mainly on the interior, as shown, though the glaze is not broken. Age darkening on the unglazed foot and kiln support is minimal.

A fine piece of vintage lusterware that captures a little bit of Autumn in Japan.