A Japanese blue-white pleated porcelain bowl with a decor of carp and a botanical decor in the middle, 18th century

During the  18th century in Japan, the production of porcelain bowls with intricate blue-white designs flourished. These bowls often depicted scenes from nature, reflecting the Japanese appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. Carp, known as koi in Japanese, were commonly featured in art due to their symbolic significance representing perseverance, strength, and good fortune. The botanical decorations in the middle might have included various floral motifs, reflecting the rich flora of Japan and the traditional art of flower arranging, known as ikebana. These porcelain bowls were not only functional but also served as exquisite decorative pieces, appreciated for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.