Smithsonian Imari Porcelain Bowl Set

This is a set of three porcelain bowls with Imari-style decoration, stamped by the Smithsonian Institute.

The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846, is a group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government as a trust for the benefit of mankind. Its mission is to increase and diffuse knowledge. While the Smithsonian does have extensive collections of decorative arts and ceramics, it is not a manufacturer of porcelain for retail sale in the same way as a commercial company. Items bearing the Smithsonian stamp are typically associated with museum shops, special exhibitions, or educational outreach programs. Such items might be reproductions, commemorative pieces, or artifacts related to specific exhibits. The presence of such a stamp on porcelain bowls previously identified as Tiffany & Co. Imari suggests a unique provenance, possibly related to a special commission or a historical display, rather than standard commercial production.

• Period: Mid-20th Century
• Origin: Japan/USA