Overview
An elegant Japanese porcelain vase featuring a matte, satin-glazed finish with hand-painted clematis flowers and delicate gilt detailing. The base features a red-stamped Kutani mark alongside a vintage 'Made in Japan' paper export label.
Preliminary identification
Kutani Ware Clematis Porcelain Vase, Showa Period
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
During the post-war Showa era, Japanese ceramicists blended centuries-old traditions with modern, minimalist aesthetics. This vase captures that transition, using a soft, frosted-glass-like glaze to make traditional floral motifs feel contemporary.
Maker / Origin
Kutani ware (Kutani-yaki) is a style of Japanese porcelain known for its rich history dating back to 1655 in Ishikawa Prefecture. While early Kutani was famous for bold, dark five-color glazes, modern workshops in the 20th century developed innovative matte and iridescent glazes to appeal to international design tastes.
Condition & Value
The vase appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The gold gilding along the rim and flower details shows minimal wear, and the original paper export label is still attached to the base. Excellent preservation of the delicate matte glaze surface.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
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.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.