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

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.

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.