I am toying with the idea of adding or linking Japanese antiques, another passion of mine, so I added a photo below of a Japanese writing box (lid only) just to see how detailed images come across. Click to see actual size. This is done in lacquer and precious metals in a style called Maki-e. This is a large image, but worth waiting to load.
This image was scanned from the 2000 Japan Airlines Calendar as a test.
Japanese 'hibachi', porcelain, most early Showa period, some late Meiji period. Usually filled about half way with ash, and then charcoal pieces lit to provide an immediate area of warmth. I use these for plants, and they are absolutely great for chilling Champagne! The blue and white motif is common. Click on any image to show detail. In the top row (L to R), hibachi 1 & 2 look similar. Pattern is the same, but size is different. Hibachi 3 & 4 are from Sa'ke breweries. In the bottom row, hibachi 1 is another Sa'ke brewer's motif, and hibachi 2 is a very thick and heavy hibachi with a deep 'shochikubai ' hand-painted design. In the bottom row, a hibachi 5 in green trim, has 'Daruma' motif. Click on image to see more detail. Costs range from 3,000 yen to 12,000 yen.
Below: Large hibachi on left (used for wine corks). About 20 inches in diameter. Craftsman's 'hanko' is on reverse and cannot be seen in this view. Combination stencil pattern (rim) and hand painted. Probably mid Showa. The hibachi on the right is also large, about 20 inches in diameter. I have included three detailed photos. (L) shows detail of hand painted bamboo, and a stencil pattern encircling bottom with craftsman's mark clearly visible. (M) Detail of hand painted bamboo leaves, and raised impression of crane. (R) detail of blue border design, hand painted, with a celadon colored glaze in the middle that is very light green. I judge hibachi on the following factors:
Cost, Theme, Color, Hand Painted Content versus Stencil, Design Quality, Age. I am no expert though.
In use at my home (below)
