{"product_id":"vintage-mid-century-japanese-kutani-porcelain-geisha-landscape-ewer-vase","title":"Vintage Mid-Century Japanese Kutani Porcelain Geisha Landscape Ewer Vase","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003evintage Japanese Kutani porcelain handled vase\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (also known as a moriage ewer or decorative pitcher vase), a classic example of traditional Japanese export porcelain from the Kutani kilns in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Kutani ware is renowned for its vibrant overglaze enameling, bold colors (including greens, reds, blues, and golds), and intricate hand-painted motifs inspired by Edo-period ukiyo-e art. This piece features elaborate scenes of graceful geisha (or maiko) figures in flowing kimonos, engaged in leisurely activities amid serene landscapes with cherry blossoms, willow trees, bridges, and traditional architecture like pavilions and fences. The designs wrap dynamically around the baluster-shaped body, with raised enamel (moriage) technique adding textured, three-dimensional elements to the foliage, fans, and floral patterns for a tactile, opulent feel. Fine gold gilding outlines the motifs, rims, and handles, enhancing the luxurious sheen. The vase has two ornate, scrolled bronze-toned handles (one on each side, evoking classical Greek amphora influences blended with Japanese aesthetics) and a subtle spout, suggesting it could double as a functional ewer, though it's primarily decorative. The base is unglazed footed porcelain with minor firing imperfections and age-related patina, including faint yellowish staining from age or storage. A distinctive red rectangular seal mark on the base, stamped with gold-painted kanji characters \"九谷\" (Kutani), authenticates it as originating from the Kutani kilns. The overall form is elegant and balanced, with a glossy crackle-free glaze that highlights the vivid polychrome palette. It measures approximately 6 inches in height and 6 inches in diameter at the widest point, making it a substantial yet display-friendly size for shelves, mantels, or vitrines. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMid-20th century (circa 1940s-1960s), produced during Japan's post-war export boom when Kutani artisans revived traditional techniques for Western markets. While some similar pieces date to the Meiji era (1868-1912), the crisp enameling, modern handle attachments, and commercial seal style point to Showa-period production rather than antique. This era's Kutani often emulated earlier designs but with brighter colors and higher output.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsage: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimarily decorative, ideal as a statement piece in traditional, eclectic, or Asian-inspired interiors. The handled form and spout allow for potential use as a flower vase or small arrangement holder, but avoid liquids to preserve the overglaze; it's not food-safe. Perfect for collectors of Japanese export porcelain or those building a set with complementary Kutani items like trays or bowls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapan, specifically the Kutani region in Ishikawa Prefecture (former Kaga domain). Kutani ware originated in the 17th century but flourished in the 19th-20th centuries as an export staple, with pieces like this often made for international trade via ports like Yokohama. The red-and-gold seal confirms kiln authentication, distinguishing it from lesser imitations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eItem dimensions: 6\" tall × 6\" wide × 6\" deep  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWeight of item only: 1 lb 7.6 oz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42542981120043,"sku":"307","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20250903_175426.png?v=1764815449","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/vintage-mid-century-japanese-kutani-porcelain-geisha-landscape-ewer-vase","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}