Many questions remain regarding the development of porcelain in Japan. Traditionally, the discovery of the type of clay needed to produce porcelains has been credited to a potter named Ri Sampei, who was one of the Korean artisansbrought to Japan. Production of porcelains began around 1610 in the Karatsu stoneware kilns located just to the north of Arita. Karatsu wares also reflected the influence of other Korean advances, such as sophisticated types of kilns and kick wheels for throwing.

The first Japanese porcelains were painted with underglaze cobalt blue, known as "old blue-and-white" ware (ko-sumetsuke). But by about 1640, overglaze enamels had been added to the palette. It is generally accepted that overglaze enamels were introduced to Kyushu from Kyoto rather than from China. One reason for this assumption is the use of a vibrant overglaze blue in both Kyoto ware and Japanese porcelains, a color not found in Chinese ceramics of that period.

The majority of Japanese porcelains are classified as Arita wares, based on the location of their production. Arita wares are traditionally subdivided into Imari, Kakiemon, and Nabeshima styles (although this system is currently under revision). This deep bowl with the Chinese motif of the Three Friends of Winter is characteristic of Kakiemon wares--named for the artisan who was once thought to have originated their style of decoration. Kakiemon wares have a lighter palette than Imari or Nabeshima, with pale blues, greens, yellows, and reds predominating. The compositions of the paintings are sparser; the motifs are more isolated and centered on two or more sides of a vessel rather than covering the entire surface; and the quality of the clay and glaze differs. The bodies of most Kakiemon-style wares are a warm, milky white, called nigoshide, and are considered the whitest porcelains produced in East Asia. In addition, Kakiemon wares tend to be more finely potted than other wares, and it seems likely that they were among the most expensive items produced at Arita.

On this bowl, painted in the trademark Kakiemon palette, pine, bamboo, and plum symbolize the integrity of the scholar-gentleman and the arrival of spring. In this depiction of the theme, the plants are placed in a circular composition in the interior of the bowl and are accompanied by birds. A stylized peony arabesque encircles the interior.