Japanese Hirado Minogame Teapot, C.1830–1850

19th century

Sold by Ritas Bazaar

Description

A late Edo period Hirado (Mikawachi) porcelain teapot in the form of a minogame, c.1830–1850. The white porcelain body with light underglaze-blue floral decoration reflects the refined modelling associated with Hirado ware. The turtle’s arched tail forms the handle, and the hexagonal lid with its clam-shell knop includes a small sencha vent hole. The neatly finished base is typical of Mikawachi craftsmanship.

Hirado porcelain has a long history in Nagasaki, Kyushu, where it was originally crafted for the emperor and feudal lords. Export pieces later attracted acclaim across Europe. Comparable Hirado works are preserved in major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the V&A. A closely related example appears in the Kurtzman Collection at LACMA.

Measurements

• Height: 13.5 cm (5.3?)

• Width: 18.5 cm (7.3?)

• Depth: 13 cm (5.1?)

• Weight: 366 g

Condition

Excellent antique condition overall. No cracks, restorations or structural issues detected; checked under UV light. A very well-presented example of Hirado porcelain.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling, and postage.

Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Physical Dimensions

Height

13.5cm (5.31")

Width

18.5cm (7.28")

Depth

13cm (5.12")

Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1179466

Dealers Internal Reference

B1514

Description

A late Edo period Hirado (Mikawachi) porcelain teapot in the form of a minogame, c.1830–1850.

“

The white porcelain body with light underglaze-blue floral decoration reflects the refined modelling associated with Hirado ware.

Ritas Bazaar

The turtle’s arched tail forms the handle, and the hexagonal lid with its clam-shell knop includes a small sencha vent hole. The neatly finished base is typical of Mikawachi craftsmanship.

fig 1. Japanese Hirado Minogame Teapot, c.1830–1850 — fig 1. Japanese Hirado Minogame Teapot, C.1830–1850

Hirado porcelain has a long history in Nagasaki, Kyushu, where it was originally crafted for the emperor and feudal lords. Export pieces later attracted acclaim across Europe. Comparable Hirado works are preserved in major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the V&A. A closely related example appears in the Kurtzman Collection at LACMA.

fig 2. Japanese Hirado Minogame Teapot, c.1830–1850 — fig 2. Japanese Hirado Minogame Teapot, C.1830–1850

Measurements

• Height: 13.5 cm (5.3?)

• Width: 18.5 cm (7.3?)

• Depth: 13 cm (5.1?)

• Weight: 366 g

Condition

Excellent antique condition overall. No cracks, restorations or structural issues detected; checked under UV light. A very well-presented example of Hirado porcelain.