Japanese Arita Imari Bowls set of 5 with Lids | Porcelain Rice Bowl | Vintage Japan Tableware | Antique Soup Bowl Made in Japan Handmade Art

The Story Behind This Piece:

Where the river mists rising from the Seto Inland Sea gently envelop the beautiful terraced rice fields in the mountains, stands a grand historical minka, a traditional Japanese folk house over one hundred and fifty years old, nestled in the rich nature of northern Hiroshima Prefecture. When the heavy, weathered doors of the earthen storehouse kura situated deep within the grounds were opened, a masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship that had been breathing in total silence for over half a century finally emerged into the light. This is the magnificent five-piece set of Arita-ware Ko-Imari style covered bowls, proudly bearing the elegant mark of the Asuka Kiln on the base.

The meticulously refined shaping of the porcelain, the breathtakingly vibrant and balanced iro-e polychrome enameling techniques, and the solid texture transmitted the moment you hold the vessel clearly dictate that this work is a pinnacle achievement from the 1970s, the golden era of mid-Showa art ceramic production, fired by master artisans in Arita, Saga Prefecture, who poured every ounce of their inherited expertise into its creation. On the smooth, flawless surface of the white porcelain, the pomegranate (zakuro) fruit, revered since antiquity as a powerful symbol of fertility, prosperity, and vital life force, is depicted with realistic yet overflowing energy in vivid reds and luxurious gold enamels. Alongside it, large, opulent peony flowers, representing wealth and high nobility, bloom with immense grace.

The lower section of each bowl is beautifully grounded by geometric bands of traditional Seigaiha wave patterns and intricate Shippo-tsunagi cloisonne interlocking circles. While faithfully inheriting the gorgeous, resplendent design language of classical Ko-Imari, this set beautifully blends a refined, sophisticated modern color sense unique to the 1970s, achieving an extraordinary level of artistic perfection. The original owners of these sublime covered bowls were the head and matriarch of a highly prestigious lineage that had served as prominent landowners and cultural patrons in northern Hiroshima for generations.

They were not merely wealthy collectors amassed in expensive art objects, but individuals of profound aesthetic discernment who deeply appreciated the mingei value, the philosophy of folk crafts, which advocates incorporating authentic, everyday handiwork to enrich and color daily life. During autumn harvest festivals celebrating the newly reaped rice, or on luminous New Year occasions when the entire family gathered, these bowls decorated the dining table as the absolute centerpiece. The poetic moment when the lid is lifted, releasing a gentle cloud of warm steam to reveal the pure, pristine beauty of the white porcelain interior, was the very embodiment of blissful family harmony that satisfied all five senses.

However, in the late 1980s, amidst the grand turning point of rapid modernization and changing lifestyles in Japan, the family experienced a shift in their daily routines as Westernized dining tables became common. Fearing that these precious vessels might be chipped or damaged in the rush of everyday modern life, and wishing to pass down their flawless beauty completely intact to future generations, they chose to gently wrap each of the five pieces in soft paper, place them into a protective paulownia wooden box, and store them deep inside the dark, cool kura of their ancestral estate. Decades have flowed past, and now, in the modern era. Triggered by a recent mindful renovation of the old minka and a conscious return to sustainable living and traditional Japanese culture, the ancient storehouse was carefully organized, and these bowls re-emerged into the light in a miraculously pristine, mint condition.

Today, the brilliance radiated by these vessels transcends the boundaries of mere antique tableware. It carries the pure prayers, spirit, and passion of the craftsmen expressed through genuine handiwork, a rare human touch that we have nearly forgotten in our age of mass production and mass consumption. The striking contrast between the intense, unfading colors and the quiet, serene presence of the white porcelain harbors a sense of complete beauty and tranquility that resonates deeply with wabi-sabi, the core of Japanese aesthetics that finds profound sublimity in the passage of time. This exceptionally rare complete set of five, where the intricate patterns of the lids and bowls align in flawless harmony, possesses an overwhelming presence capable of instantly transforming a contemporary, sophisticated Wa-modern dining space or a special hospitality occasion into a refined fine-art gallery. Resurrected across time and space from a hidden storehouse in Hiroshima, this is the crystal of passion from Arita-ware's Asuka Kiln. We invite you to welcome this authentic Japanese beauty and its rich, sensory story into your cherished daily life.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

■Main Body
Height: 7.0 cm (2.76 in)
Depth: 13.0 cm (5.12 in)
Width: 13.0 cm (5.12 in)
Base: 6.3 cm (2.48 in)
Maximum Circumference: 38.6 cm (15.20 in)
Weight: 275 g (9.70 oz)

■Lid
Height: 3.7 cm (1.46 in)
Depth: 11.5 cm (4.53 in)
Width: 11.5 cm (4.53 in)
Weight: 125 g (4.41 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.