Antique Japanese Blue-and-White Ceramic Hibachi, Meiji period, approximately 1868-1911

Antique Japanese Blue-and-White Ceramic Hibachi, Meiji period, approximately 1868-1911 | SKU: 24N-113

A hand-painted blue-and-white ceramic hibachi adorned with wisteria, plum blossoms, and layered border work -- a striking example of Meiji-era Japanese antique ceramics.

A hibachi is a traditional Japanese charcoal brazier used to heat rooms during winter months, and in its ceramic form it served both a practical and a decorative role in the refined Japanese household. This barrel-shaped vessel is decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with polychrome overglaze enamel accents, featuring gracefully rendered wisteria clusters in iron-red and trailing plum blossom branches with delicate green and white detailing. The upper rim carries a precisely painted Greek-key band, below which a dense lappet border frames the main pictorial field. The lower body is finished with a scrolling ruyi-cloud and floral medallion band -- a hallmark of Meiji-period Japanese decorative ceramics. The unglazed, rough-textured interior and substantial unglazed foot ring with visible firing marks are consistent with traditional hibachi production, where the interior was left unfinished to hold a copper or iron ash insert. The exterior glaze is brilliant and well-preserved, and the painted motifs display confident, assured brushwork typical of quality domestic or export-grade ware from this period. No maker's mark is visible on the base.

Today this handsome vessel transitions effortlessly into modern interiors as a decorative accent or indoor planter cachepot. Lined with a simple insert or plastic pot, it makes a striking living room accent for a trailing houseplant or small fern, perfectly suited to a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic. Its open mouth and generous depth also make it an eye-catching entryway statement piece -- filled with dried botanicals, rolled umbrellas, or tall tapers. The bold blue-and-white palette pairs well with mid-century modern and minimalist decor alike, and it makes a thoughtful housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese antique ceramics or lovers of East Asian decorative arts.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Meiji period, approximately 1868-1911
• Material: Ceramic with underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze iron-red and polychrome enamel decoration; unglazed interior and foot ring
• Use: Hibachi -- traditional Japanese charcoal brazier for indoor heating; also used as a decorative vessel
• Modern Use: Indoor planter cachepot, living room decorative accent, entryway statement piece filled with dried botanicals or tall stems
• Features: Barrel-form body with wide open mouth; hand-painted wisteria and plum blossom motifs with iron-red overglaze enamel clusters; Greek-key rim band; upper lappet border and lower ruyi-cloud floral scroll border; high-gloss exterior glaze; rough unglazed interior consistent with original hibachi use; no visible maker's mark
• Dimensions: 10 1/2"Diameter x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique ceramics -- bringing the refined artistry of the Meiji era into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.