Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An elegant, square-sided porcelain vase decorated in the refined Iro-Nabeshima style with the traditional 'Three Friends of Winter' (Sho-Chiku-Bai) motif. The piece features a pristine white glaze serving as a canvas for underglaze blue, overglaze red, green, and yellow enamels, complete with a delicate flying bird on the side panel.
Story
During the Edo period, Nabeshima ware was so exclusive that it was forbidden for commoners to own, reserved strictly as tribute gifts for the Shogun. This mid-century vase revives that aristocratic legacy, using the 'Three Friends of Winter' motif to symbolize resilience and longevity.
Maker / Origin
The underside bears the hand-painted blue underglaze mark of 'Kozan' (魯山), a respected kiln operating in the historic Arita region. Kilns like Kozan specialized in keeping the highly technical, imperial-grade Nabeshima decorating traditions alive for modern collectors, maintaining strict standards of porcelain purity and enamel clarity.
Condition & Value
The vase appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The enamel colors remain bright and unfaded, and the foot shows only minor, expected shelf wear. Excellent condition like this helps secure the higher end of the valuation range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.