Large Kutani dragon ewer with phoenix spout, Meiji period c. 1880–1900
£520.00
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A finely made large Japanese Kutani porcelain covered ewer of elegant and highly ornamental form, dating to the late Meiji period, representing a specialized branch of Japanese decorative ceramics in which functional vessel forms were transformed into sculptural statements.
Particularly noteworthy and highly detailed are the sculptural fittings. The spout is formed as a fantastic phoenix head with an open beak, while the handle terminates in a powerful dragon-like mask and continues in a boldly modelled curved form.
The decoration follows a classical Kutani aka-e scheme with shaped reserves set against a dense iron-red ground, richly heightened with gilding in imitation of brocade textiles (kinran-de). Within the reserves are finely painted kachō-ga compositions with stylised birds among blossoming branches, including plum and peony.
The base bears a generic Kutani mark in red, written as 九谷, indicating it was made in Kutani. A decorative Kutani ewer combining sculptural complexity and refined painting, and a strong collectible example of late Meiji export porcelain.
Dimensions
Height: 30.5 cm
Width: 21.5 cm
Depth: 13 cm
Weight: 904 g
Condition
Surface star crack to the base, confined to the enamel/glaze layer and not reactive under UV; otherwise in excellent condition.
Shipping & Packaging
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.
Large Kutani dragon ewer with phoenix spout, Meiji period c. 1880–1900
£520.00
Particularly noteworthy and highly detailed are the sculptural fittings. The spout is formed as a fantastic phoenix head with an open beak, while the handle terminates in a powerful dragon-like mask and continues in a boldly modelled curved form.
The decoration follows a classical Kutani aka-e scheme with shaped reserves set against a dense iron-red ground, richly heightened with gilding in imitation of brocade textiles (kinran-de). Within the reserves are finely painted kachō-ga compositions with stylised birds among blossoming branches, including plum and peony.
The base bears a generic Kutani mark in red, written as 九谷, indicating it was made in Kutani. A decorative Kutani ewer combining sculptural complexity and refined painting, and a strong collectible example of late Meiji export porcelain.
Dimensions
Height: 30.5 cm
Width: 21.5 cm
Depth: 13 cm
Weight: 904 g
Condition
Surface star crack to the base, confined to the enamel/glaze layer and not reactive under UV; otherwise in excellent condition.
Shipping & Packaging
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.