Antique Japanese Late Edo Period Blue & White Porcelain Sobachoko Cup Brush Painted Flora Design

Late Edo Period Japanese Blue and White Porcelain Sobachoko Cup with Brush Painted Flora Design, circa 1850s
Japan, mid-19th century
Height: approximately 2.75 inches

A handsome example of a late Edo period sobachoko (蕎麦猪口), hand-painted in underglaze cobalt blue with a free-flowing floral and grass motif. The confident, gestural brushwork captures the energy and spontaneity typical of mid-19th-century Arita or Imari folk porcelain, where utility and artistry met in perfect harmony.

Inside the cup, the potter has added a charming touch—a single painted character mark at the well, possibly denoting a kiln or artisan. The interior is finished with twin blue bands below the rim, balancing the design’s simplicity and rhythm. The glaze is a pale bluish white with soft pooling around brushstrokes, showing fine age and character.

The unglazed foot reveals firing grit, glaze runs, and natural kiln imperfections, consistent with Edo-era handmade porcelain production. These tactile signs of age enhance the authenticity and warmth of the piece.

Condition: Excellent antique condition with expected wear and minor imperfections from the original firing. No cracks or repairs observed.

An elegant yet rustic Edo-period sobachoko, ideal for collectors of Japanese blue-and-white ceramics or as a timeless vessel for tea or sake. A superb example of 19th-century craftsmanship in everyday art.