A Japanese Kutani Center Bowl with Twelve Lunar Zodiac Animals

Meiji period (1868-1912), porcelain hand-painted with shaped reserves each containing a finely detailed zodiac animal, six to the interior and six to the exterior, the central well with three mythical animals frolicking amidst large peony blossoms and scrolling tendrils, all against a dark red ground with gilt floral decoration, stunning gosu blue appears throughout the bowl, underside with glazed center surrounded by unglazed circle.

4 1/4 in., 10 in. diameter

Japanese porcelain decorated with the lunar zodiac (junishi) reflects the enduring cultural significance of the twelve animals associated with the cyclical calendar in Asia. Each animal symbolizes distinct virtues, such as: wisdom, strength, or longevity. Popular from the Edo period onward, these motifs appealed to collectors as auspicious imagery and as refined expressions of seasonal time, personal identity, and good fortune.

Very good estate condition; some rubbing with loss to gilt on rim.