Vintage Imari Japanese lotus bowls

These bowls are a style of Japanese porcelain originating from the town of Arita and exported from the port of Imari in the Saga prefecture on the island of Kyushu. Imari ware is characterized by its vibrant colors, typically including cobalt blue underglaze with red, gold, and black outlines, and other colors added in overglaze. These bowls showcase the classic Imari color palette and intricate designs, which often draw inspiration from nature, such as flowers and other traditional motifs. Imari porcelain became popular in Europe in the 17th and early 18th centuries, with significant exports to Western countries handled mainly by the Dutch East India Company. Production for export declined for a period before surging again in the late 19th century during the Meiji era, when Japonism flourished in Europe. Today, both early and Meiji-era Imari pieces can be found in the Western world. The value of Imari porcelain can range from $100 to $1,000, with exceptional pieces fetching $1,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on their age, quality, and rarity.