This bowl was made as a shaving basin, with a curved cut-out on the rim to fit under the chin, to facilitate rinsing the face. It is painted in colours over the glaze with gold highlights, typical of Japanese Imari wares. Imari is a type of Japanese porcelain made in Arita, mainly for export. The name comes from the port from which it was shipped. Japanese porcelain became widely available and popular after Chinese exports were slowed by political instability during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Eventually, this style was copied by producers in China and Europe.
