Overview
An extraordinary large-scale Meiji period Japanese porcelain vase featuring hand-painted egrets amidst atmospheric pine mist. Created using pioneer glaze techniques, it bears the early red cursive 'Koransha' mark on the underside.
Preliminary identification
Early Koransha Meiji Period Underglaze Painted Egrets Vase
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Story
Founded in 1875 by Eizaemon Fukagawa, Koransha revolutionized Japanese porcelain to captivated Western markets after the samurai era ended. This masterwork showcases revolutionary underglaze enameling techniques that won awards at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition.
Maker / Origin
Koransha (The Scented Orchid Company) was formed in Arita by master potters seeking to modernize Japanese ceramic exports. By combining traditional Japanese motifs with Western technical innovations, they became purveyors to the Imperial Household and global museum icon status.
Condition & Value
Visually presents in excellent condition with vibrant enameling and intact gilding around the rim. Minor glaze irregularities on the base are original to firing. Excellent structural integrity dramatically enhances value.
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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.