Antique Japanese Kappa-e Ko-zara Set, Square Porcelain Small Dishes, Taisho, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-974 - 1

Antique Japanese "河童" Kappa-e Ko-zara Set, Square Porcelain Small Dishes, Taisho, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-974

SKU:
26M-974
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IMPORTED FROM JAPAN
Ship From Location: Berkeley, California

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Description

Antique Japanese Kappa-e Ko-zara Set, Square Porcelain Small Dishes, Taisho, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-974

A charming set of five small square ko-zara, four hand-painted with playful kappa figures and one matching dish with a bold brown ornamental border.

This set of antique Japanese ko-zara presents whimsical kappa "河童" imagery in a lively folk style. Each of the four figural dishes is painted with a different scene: one kappa beats a drum beneath hanging streamers, another appears mid-step with a bundle, one crouches beside a small vessel, and another is shown in animated profile with expressive movement. The fifth dish complements the set with a broad brown decorative border framing a plain center. All five dishes are square in form with gently upturned sides, a cream-toned ground, and visible age crazing across the glaze, giving the set a warm, characterful surface associated with early 20th-century Japanese ceramics.

Kappa, the water-dwelling beings of Japanese folklore, have long appeared in humorous and imaginative decorative arts. Their mischievous yet endearing presence gives these small dishes a distinctive personality that makes the set especially appealing to collectors of yokai-related objects, folk-inspired tableware, and antique Japanese ceramics. Traditionally used for condiments, small sweets, or side servings, ko-zara also adapt beautifully today as ring dishes, incense rests, or small display accents arranged on a shelf or tabletop.

  • Origin: Japan
  • Era: Taisho, approximately 1912-1926
  • Material: Porcelain or ceramic with crackled glaze and hand-painted decoration
  • Use: Ko-zara (small dishes) for condiments, sauces, sweets, or small side servings
  • Modern Use: Trinket or ring dishes; small decorative accents; collectible display for lovers of Japanese folklore and antique ceramics
  • Features: Set of five square dishes; four with hand-painted kappa scenes; one with brown ornamental border; cream-toned glaze; red and green line borders; gently flared sides; footless square bases; visible age-related crazing and wear
  • Dimensions: 0"W x 0"D x 0"H
  • Condition: Good antique condition with crazing, kiln and glaze irregularities, and minor wear consistent with age and use

A spirited antique set that brings together Japanese folklore, hand-painted charm, and practical small-scale form.

As part of our mission to preserve and share Japanese craftsmanship, we offer antiques that were made not just to be admired, but to be used. These pieces were crafted for everyday life, and we honor their purpose by ensuring they can continue to be enjoyed and lived with today.

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.