Overview
An elegant, long-necked porcelain bottle vase decorated in the classic Kutani palette of iron-red, black, and gold enamels. The body features hand-painted panels depicting traditional figures under maple trees, framed by intricate geometric and floral borders. The base bears a hand-painted iron-red mark reading 'Dai Nippon Kutani Tsukuru' (Great Japan, Kutani Made).
Story
Crafted during Japan's Meiji era, this vase was made when the country opened its borders to the West, sparking a global obsession with Japanese art. The figures depicted on the body are dressed in traditional Edo-period attire, capturing a nostalgic glimpse of old Japan for eager international collectors.
Maker / Origin
The mark on the base identifies this as a product of the Kutani workshops, a region famous for its bold, colorful overglaze enamels. During the late 19th century, highly skilled local painters collaborated in specialized studios to meet the massive Western demand for 'Exotic East' decorative arts.
Condition & Value
The vase appears to be in good antique condition with no visible chips or major cracks. There is minor, expected wear to the gold enamel detailing along the neck and rim, which is consistent with its age and handling. Excellent preservation of the iron-red pigments.