Preliminary identification

Japanese Gilt Porcelain Bird & Chrysanthemum Vase, c. 1960–1980

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A striking high-gloss porcelain vase featuring a deep 'tenmoku-style' dark brown glaze. It is decorated with intricate gold-outlined (gilt) motifs of a bird in flight above a lush cluster of chrysanthemums and wild grasses.

Story

This mid-century vase features the imperial chrysanthemum and a golden bird, symbols of longevity and grace. Produced during the Showa era, it was part of a wave of elegant export ware that brought Zen aesthetics to Western homes.

Maker / Origin

While often unsigned, pieces like this were frequently produced by the Toyo Trading Company or Shibata, major Japanese exporters who specialized in high-quality decorative porcelain for the global market. They were masters at blending traditional 'Kacho-ga' (bird-and-flower) painting with modern, lustrous glazes.

Condition & Value

The glaze appears to have a strong luster, though there is visible surface dust. The gold detailing on the bird's wings and the flower petals seems well-preserved; any rubbing or loss to this gilding would significantly lower the value. Excellent condition with no chips or cracks commands the higher end of the range.

Full Research

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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 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD