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Beautiful, late Meiji signed handpainted studio porcelain bowl with design of a pink peony with ochre center and blue leaves. The bowl formed as a five petal lobed shape with notched lobes. Signed Tominaga Genroku on base in 3 characters - for an example of this signature, see – “Treasures of Imperial Japan - Ceramics from the Khalili Collection”, Natl. Museum of Wales, 1994, p. 78.
According to information on the "Imari.com" web site, Tominaga was an important figure in the Japanese porcelain world of his time. He began the Genroku Studio during the Meiji period with the goal of producing porcelain ware of the highest quality in the traditional manner of Imari Porcelain in the 18th century. Toward the end of Feudal Edo to the dawn of Modern Meiji, the production of Ureshino Yaki declined both in quantities and qualities and ceased at the beginning of the Meiji. In mid-Meiji, Genroku Tominaga revitalized a kiln and it was named " Genroku" gama. His products were very highly regarded. After his death, his sons attempted to continued the kiln work, but had a difficult time. The Genroku kiln lasted until 1934.
Condition is still very good considering scarcity and age. It has an early 'museum style restoration' to rim chip and an accompanying firm tight hairline, also one shallow rim flake on the opposite side, see photos. Measures over 8 5/8 inches across in diameter wide by 4 1/8 inches high.
Generous size, great scale and proportions. Genroku is generally classified in the same top caliber as Makuzu Kozan and Seifu Yohei III. A rare, small example of this master's work.
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