Five children chase butterflies among pine trees in indigo blue and white — a scene so charming it stops you before you've even filled the bowl.
This is the Karako motif, one of the most beloved subjects in Japanese ceramic art. Karako — literally "Tang children" — symbolize health, longevity, and continuity, and they appear in Japanese ceramics across centuries. The number of children depicted is meaningful: according to tradition, sets of three, five, or seven children indicate increasing quality, with higher counts reserved for finer pieces. This bowl shows five, made in translucent fine porcelain in the Sometsuke (cobalt blue underglaze) tradition. Ramen-sized and beautiful enough for display. No maker's mark, but the quality speaks clearly.
A meaningful gift for the lover of Japanese ceramics, the collector of blue and white chinoiserie, or anyone drawn to the poetry of Karako imagery. A companion rice bowl in the same motif is also available in the shop.
- Maker: Unknown, Japan - Pattern: Karako Children — five figures, Sometsuke blue and white - Era: 1970s (estimated) - Material: Fine Porcelain - Dimensions: 6" diameter × 2.75" tall; 2.25" base diameter - Quantity: Single bowl - Condition: Excellent Vintage — no chips, cracks, or scratches. Please review all photos. - Hand wash recommended - No returns — all sales final
