Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An exceptional Japanese hexagonal porcelain vase featuring hand-painted panels of a Daoist immortal taming a tiger and a songbird perched on a blossoming plum branch. The neck is richly decorated in the classic Kutani palette of iron-red, green, and gold enamels with intricate geometric and floral diaper patterns.
Story
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japanese Kutani artists captivated the West with their brilliant polychrome enamels. This vase depicts the legendary Daoist immortal Wu Sangong playfully offering a cup to a tiger. It represents a bridge between ancient Chinese folklore and the golden age of Japanese export art.
Maker / Origin
The Kutani region of Ishikawa Prefecture is world-renowned for its bold, five-color enamel palette (green, yellow, red, purple, and dark blue). The wooden presentation box (tomobako) bears the inscription 'Moriyama-uji' (Moriyama clan/family), suggesting it was commissioned by or gifted to a prominent family, or created by a master decorator from the Moriyama workshop lineage.
Condition & Value
The vase appears to be in very good antique condition with no visible cracks or major chips. There is minor, expected wear to the gold enamel gilding along the rim and raised edges, which is typical for its age. Excellent preservation of the original wooden box adds significantly to its value.
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.