Two Japanese Cobalt-Blue Decorated Ko-Imari Porcelain Lobbed Bowls, enclosed by a frieze of chrysanthemums with a central pine branch, presumably from Arita or Imari, Edo Period, with maker's mark of in Traditional Mandarin, which translates to blessings. Diameter 6 inches x depth 2 inches and other of similar size. Arita and Imari are two towns in western Saga Prefecture that are known for pottery. They were the first place in Japan where porcelain was produced about 400 years ago after kaolin - the mineral essential to making porcelain - had been found at a local mountain and craftsmen with the necessary skills had been brought from Korea into the country. The new technology was an extremely valuable resource for the local ruler because porcelain was better and stronger than contemporary pottery and sold very well inside and outside of Japan. The town of Arita and the isolated mountain village of Okawachiyama served as the two main sites of production, while Imari served as the port from where the finished products were shipped out. Overall in good age appropriate condition. Minor surface abrasions and a light chipping on the rim. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .