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ID #SA1235456
FOR SALE
£500
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Mikawachi Hirado Porcelain Dragon-head Ship Vessel, C.1890–1910
For sale by Ritas Bazaar
for sale €585     $635
£500

Ritas Bazaar

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2025
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Id #SA1235456
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Mikawachi Hirado Porcelain Dragon-head Ship Vessel, C.1890–1910

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

A late Meiji Japanese blue-and-white porcelain dragon-head ship-form vessel, made at the Mikawachi kilns in the former Hirado domain, c.1890–1910. The vessel is made in white porcelain with underglaze cobalt-blue painting. Mikawachi developed under the Matsura clan, daimyō rulers of Hirado, and was established as an official domain kiln in 1637. White porcelain production began around 1640, and the quality of its porcelain and workmanship brought Hirado ware international recognition.

Modelled as a Takarabune treasure ship, or dragon boat, the vessel carries auspicious imagery associated with the Seven Lucky Gods and their treasures. The bow is formed as a scaled dragon head with a hollow open mouth and a separately moulded white porcelain tongue. The bow deck is painted with a bat motif and a Buddhist endless knot. The deep oval well is decorated with takaramono, including a magic money mallet, scroll, treasure bag and other symbolic objects.

The stern deck is painted with a phoenix amid stylised clouds, above a spiral diaper band. Crested waves and flying birds are painted along the hull. The underside is unmarked, with a broad unglazed oval footrim surrounding a glazed central area.

Dimensions

Weight: 1,716 g; Height: 17 cm; Length: 39 cm; Width: 14 cm

Condition

Overall in excellent antique condition. The upper part of the dragon's head has been professionally restored long ago. The separately moulded tongue within the open mouth is intact.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include handling, packaging and postage.

Physical Dimensions
Height
17cm (6.69")
Width
39cm (15.35")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Hirado Porcelain Dragon Vessel to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1235456
Dealers Internal Reference
B1874
Description
A late Meiji Japanese blue-and-white porcelain dragon-head ship-form vessel, made at the Mikawachi kilns in the former Hirado domain, c.1890–1910. The vessel is made in white porcelain with underglaze cobalt-blue painting.
“
Mikawachi developed under the Matsura clan, daimyō rulers of Hirado, and was established as an official domain kiln in 1637.
Ritas Bazaar

White porcelain production began around 1640, and the quality of its porcelain and workmanship brought Hirado ware international recognition.

fig 1. A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow.
fig 1. Mikawachi Hirado Porcelain Dragon-head Ship Vessel, C.1890–1910

Modelled as a Takarabune treasure ship, or dragon boat, the vessel carries auspicious imagery associated with the Seven Lucky Gods and their treasures. The bow is formed as a scaled dragon head with a hollow open mouth and a separately moulded white porcelain tongue. The bow deck is painted with a bat motif and a Buddhist endless knot. The deep oval well is decorated with takaramono, including a magic money mallet, scroll, treasure bag and other symbolic objects.

fig 2. A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow.
fig 2. Mikawachi Hirado Porcelain Dragon-head Ship Vessel, C.1890–1910

The stern deck is painted with a phoenix amid stylised clouds, above a spiral diaper band. Crested waves and flying birds are painted along the hull. The underside is unmarked, with a broad unglazed oval footrim surrounding a glazed central area.

fig 3. A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow.
fig 3. Mikawachi Hirado Porcelain Dragon-head Ship Vessel, C.1890–1910

Dimensions

Weight: 1,716 g; Height: 17 cm; Length: 39 cm; Width: 14 cm

Condition

Overall in excellent antique condition. The upper part of the dragon's head has been professionally restored long ago. The separately moulded tongue within the open mouth is intact.

fig 4. A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow.
fig 4. Mikawachi Hirado Porcelain Dragon-head Ship Vessel, C.1890–1910

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include handling, packaging and postage.

Height
17cm (6.69")
Width
39cm (15.35")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Hirado Porcelain Dragon Vessel to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1235456
Dealers Internal Ref
B1874
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

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A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow.
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Archive I A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow.

Mikawachi Hirado Porcelain Dragon-head Ship Vessel, C.1890–1910

Archive II A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View II
Archive III A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View III
Archive IV A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View IV
Archive V A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View V
Archive VI A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View VI
Archive VII A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View VII
Archive VIII A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View VIII
Archive IX A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View IX
Archive X A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View X
Archive XI A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View XI
Archive XII A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View XII
Archive XIII A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View

Ritas Bazaar
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 254
Items Sold 46
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
254
Sold
46
A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow.
Mikawachi Hirado Porcelain Dragon-Head Ship Vessel, c.1890–1910
Ref: SA1235456
A Japanese blue and white porcelain vessel shaped like a boat featuring a carved dragon figurehead at the prow.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Vessels
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialPorcelain, Glaze
  • ColourBlue and White
  • MotifsSculpted dragon figurehead, Underglaze blue wave decoration, Boat hull form
  • SizeH 17 cm (7 in) x W 39 cm (15 in) x D 14 cm (6 in)

FAQs

Hirado porcelain, produced in the Mikawachi region of Japan, is a high-grade ceramic characterised by a smooth white body and detailed underglaze cobalt blue brushwork. Originally made exclusively for the local rulers during the Edo period, production expanded to decorative export wares during the late nineteenth century.

Hirado ceramics are crafted using high-fired porcelain clay combined with cobalt oxide pigment for the underglaze blue decoration. Artisans shaped these pieces using a combination of moulding, hand-sculpting detailed figures, and hand-painting intricate motifs before applying a clear protective glaze.

Authentic pieces exhibit a smooth white porcelain paste, crisp underglaze cobalt blue tones, and precise sculptural modelling such as dragon heads or figureheads. Markings may be present on the base, though many decorative vessels rely on the characteristic quality of the porcelain and surface carving for identification.

This decorative porcelain ship functions well as a focal accent on a sideboard, shelf, or mantelpiece alongside contemporary art or classical volumes. Its distinctive silhouette and blue-and-white colour palette complement both maximalist and modern minimalist interior schemes.

Dust the ceramic regularly with a soft, dry brush to prevent dirt accumulation in carved crevices. For deeper cleaning, wipe gently with warm water and mild detergent using a non-abrasive cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals or immersion.
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