{"product_id":"large-kutani-dragon-ewer-with-phoenix-spout-meiji-period-c-1880-1900","title":"Large Kutani dragon ewer with phoenix spout, Meiji period c. 1880–1900","description":"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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nParticularly 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\nHeight: 30.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWidth: 21.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nDepth: 13 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWeight: 904 g\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCondition\u003cbr\u003e\nSurface star crack to the base, confined to the enamel\/glaze layer and not reactive under UV; otherwise in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping \u0026amp; Packaging\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description.\u003cbr\u003e\nIf you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them.\u003cbr\u003e\nThe item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003e\n","brand":"Gillers Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62884614897994,"sku":"B1705","price":520.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1066\/5351\/6106\/files\/il_fullxfull.7918142846_59fd.jpg?v=1785916007","url":"https:\/\/gillersantiques.com\/products\/large-kutani-dragon-ewer-with-phoenix-spout-meiji-period-c-1880-1900","provider":"Gillers Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}