Pair Of Meiji Period Yokohama-yaki Vases By Takasaka Toemon

A museum-grade pair of late 19th-century Japanese Yokohama-yaki porcelain vases, masterfully executed by the Takasaka Toemon workshop during the Meiji period. It is very difficult to find analogues of such high artistic merit on today's market.

Provenance, rarity, and analogies: The artistic caliber of this workshop is cemented by its inclusion in the famous Tetsuto Tanabe collection, a world-class compilation of Meiji export ceramics used for state museum exhibitions. During a major exhibition at the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum, works by Takasaka Toemon were showcased alongside masterpieces by the greatest titans of Japanese ceramics, proving this pair belongs to the highest echelon of art.

Technique: Crafted from pure white porcelain, the vases feature hand-painted reserves of traditional beauties (bijin) and children (karako) amidst lush purple and yellow irises. The intricate moriage technique is applied brilliantly to create a ribbed effect on the yellow petals, a convex shape on the ladies' fans, and 3D relief on their hairpins.

Dimensions: Height measures 20.8 cm. Diameters are 12.5 cm and 12.6 cm. Weights are 569g and 585g respectively.

Condition: In remarkably good antique condition, verified under UV light. Age-related minor rubbing to the gold on handles and rims. One vase has a minute, hidden fleabite under the base rim and a barely visible surface scratch near a figure. The other has a tiny firing gold dot on one figure's neck.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.