Showcasing the refined elegance of mid-20th-century Japanese porcelain, this charming trinket dish features a vibrant hummingbird poised among blooming hibiscus flowers. Rendered in rich overglaze enamels with intricate hand-painted detail, this petite dish functions as a perfect catch-all for jewelry, small treasures, or vanity items. It makes a stunning accent for a dressing table, nightstand, or vintage porcelain collection.
Date: Circa 1970s
Period: Mid-20th-Century
Country of Origin: Japan
Importer and Brand: Charles Sadek Import Company - Andrea by Sadek
Artist: Japanese artisans at the Yamaoka Kiln (Yamaoka-gama) in the historic Arita porcelain-producing region of Japan
Marks and Signatures: Hand-painted blue underglaze kiln mark for Yamaoka-gama or Yamaoka Kiln
Size Classification: Small / Petite
Dimensions: 4 5/8 inches diameter by 3/4 inches deep
Weight: Approximately 5 oz.
Materials: Fine porcelain, underglaze blue cobalt, overglaze enamels
Technique: Molded porcelain with hand-painted enamel details
Colors: Multicolor including cobalt blue, ruby red, coral orange, soft yellow, green, and white
Pattern: Hummingbird and Hibiscus
Style: Japanese Decorative Ware / Chinoiserie
Theme and Symbolism: In nature-inspired symbolism, the hummingbird represents resilience, joy, grace, and life's fleeting beauty, while the hibiscus embodies delicate elegance and wealth.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, minimal base shelf wear consistent with age.
Imported under the Andrea by Sadek umbrella, which was a division of the Charles Sadek Import Company operating from 1936 to 2015 and founded by Charles and Norman Sadek, this piece represents the booming post-war era of high-quality Japanese export ceramics. Named after Norman’s daughter, Andrea, the brand specialized in commissioning fine hand-painted regional art for Western home decor markets. This piece was thrown and decorated at the Yamaoka Kiln, a traditional workshop operating within the historic Arita and Imari porcelain production network of Saga Prefecture, Japan.
