Meiji Period Kaga-Kutani Double Vase With Central Figure, by Nishimura Saichi for Watano Workshop, Japan, Circa 1880–1895

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An extraordinary and rare Meiji-period double vase in the Kaga-Kutani tradition, circa 1880–1895. This highly sculptural composition features a pair … Read more An extraordinary and rare Meiji-period double vase in the Kaga-Kutani tradition, circa 1880–1895. This highly sculptural composition features a pair of full-length male figures in traditional dress, positioned back-to-back between two tall cylindrical vases. Each figure is distinct — one with a broad smile, the other with a composed, closed-mouth expression — and both appear to support the vases with a sculpted yoke in the form of a woven rope or net. Whether depicting two individuals or mirrored aspects of the same character, the form is striking and theatrical, reflecting the imaginative artistry of Meiji-era porcelain made for export.

Constructed in hand-molded porcelain, the work underwent a multi-step process: high-temperature firing of the body, followed by several low-temperature firings to apply the overglaze enamels and gold. Every detail — from the facial features to the surface decoration — was hand-painted with extraordinary precision.

Each vase is richly adorned in iron-red, soft polychrome enamels, and painted gold with scenes of peacocks among flowering trees and robed women in landscape settings. Textile-style borders frame the compositions, exemplifying the high aesthetic and technical standards of fine Kutani ware.

The base of one figure bears a two-column red enamel mark: 加賀和田野 / 製西村 (‘Watano of Kaga / Made by Nishimura’), identifying the painter as Nishimura Saichi (西村左一), a celebrated Kutani decorator active in Kaga. His work was distributed internationally through the Watano export house located in Motomachi, Yokohama.”

The second vase is marked 大日本九谷 (Dai Nippon Kutani) — “Great Japan Kutani,” a patriotic hallmark used on Meiji-period porcelain for the Western market.

Painter: Nishimura Saichi (西村左一)
Workshop: Watano (Yokohama)
Style: Kaga-Kutani ware
Medium: Hand-molded porcelain with hand-painted overglaze enamels and gold
Date: Meiji period, circa 1880–1895
Marks: “Kaga Watano / Nishimura”; “Great Japan Kutani”
Origin: Kaga Province, Japan
Dimensions: Height: 10.5 in. (26.7 cm) | Width: 8.25 in. (21 cm) | Depth: 7 in. (17.8 cm) See less