Kutani Vases In Polychrome And Gilded Porcelain, Japan, Second Half Of The 19th Century

Important pair of Kutani porcelain vases with polychrome and gilded decoration, Japan, second half of the 19th century

An elegant and important pair of Japanese porcelain vases, dating from the second half of the 19th century (Meiji period), featuring rich polychrome and gilded decoration.

The two large vases feature a refined globular shape, with a broad shoulder, a slightly flared neck, and a circular foot. The entire surface is embellished with a complex reserve decoration, featuring a refined alternation of cobalt blue, iron red, white, green, orange, and gold.

The large white-ground reserves are decorated with elegant floral compositions, dominated by chrysanthemums, flowers, leaves, and branches, accompanied by delicate butterflies. The painting, which is particularly vivid and detailed, creates a strong contrast with the broad red and blue fields covering the remaining surfaces.

The red-background areas are enriched with elaborate plant scrolls, floral motifs, and arabesques, while the cobalt blue is further embellished with gold decorations. The neck features geometric reserves with honeycomb patterns and stylized floral motifs, in keeping with the traditional Japanese ornamental repertoire.

The richness of the decoration, the use of gilding, and the vibrancy of the color palette give the pair a striking decorative effect, particularly representative of Japanese production aimed at Western tastes in the second half of the nineteenth century.

At the base of both vases is a Japanese mark painted in red, attributable to the designation 九谷 (Kutani).

Based on their formal and decorative characteristics, as well as the type of mark, the two pieces can be attributed to Kutani production from the second half of the 19th century, during the Meiji period, though they cannot be attributed to a specific manufacturer or artist.

Japan, second half of the 19th century, Meiji period, attributed to Kutani production.

Material: polychrome and gilded porcelain
Height: 30 cm each
Maximum diameter: 23 cm each