19th Century Meiji Bajazhai Porcelain Glasses by Miyaso Itto for Kutani Manufacture, Japan, Set of 2

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Description

MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 10 cm; Diameter: 5.3 cm; Weight: 0.179 kg

Item :
A refined and antique pair of sake glasses … Read more MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 10 cm; Diameter: 5.3 cm; Weight: 0.179 kg

Item :
A refined and antique pair of sake glasses (bajazhai) in the finest Japanese porcelain, dating to the second half of the 19th century (mid-Meiji Period, 1868–1912). The pieces are entirely hand-decorated with brush strokes, displaying extraordinary miniature skill. The iconographic composition features refined geometric motifs, rich floral scrolls, and a pair of pheasants, a traditional symbol of harmony. The color palette is expressed through the classic iron red (aka-e), sumptuously embellished with pure gold highlights and a delicate metallic luster finish that lends a deep luminosity to the surface. This prestigious pair bears the artist Miyaso Itto's (1846–1919) signature in iron-red ideograms under the base, alongside the mark of the renowned Kutani factory (Ishikawa Prefecture). The work masterfully blends the Kutani Aka-e and Kinrande (gold on a red ground) stylistic canons, the pinnacle of Meiji-era ceramic art. The pieces feature a magnificent patina, particularly visible under the base, and delicate craquelure on the surface, formed over many years, testifying to their authenticity and age.

Useful information for appraising this piece:
Porcelain signed by great masters of the Meiji period enjoys a solid and competitive international market. For comparison, a set of five Kutani goblets from a similar period is listed for €780 on the design and antiques portal Pamono, while individual pieces of similar artistic quality and finish fluctuate on the specialized market between €200 and €400, depending on their condition. This particular pair stands out and stands out from standard export production: the presence of the autograph signature of a historically documented master, the age, and the perfect integrity of the two pieces make this lot a rare find, ideal for enhancing high-end Oriental art collections.

Information on the artist and/or manufacturer:
Miyaso Itto (1846–1919), originally a samurai belonging to the powerful Kaga clan, devoted himself to ceramic painting in Kanazawa following the radical social changes of the Meiji Restoration. He quickly became one of the most esteemed masters of fine decoration (Kutani fine painting). He is historically celebrated for his contribution to the development of Saimitsu-gaki (the complex technique of microscopic calligraphy on porcelain). His monumental works, intended for the major international exhibitions of the 19th century, are now housed in prestigious institutions, including the Nomi Kutani Porcelain Museum and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art. Kutani-yaki, on the other hand, was born in the 17th century in the eponymous village in Kaga Province (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture), immediately distinguishing itself for its chromatic exuberance and richness of detail. Its history can be summarized in four main phases: Ko-Kutani (Old Kutani, 1656–1730): characterized by thick glazes and dark tones; Revival Period (19th century): a time of splendid technical rebirth, focused on the purity of white porcelain decorated in iron red (Iro-e) and the introduction of highly refined styles, including that inspired by the master Mokubei; Golden Age of Export (1860–1890): coinciding with the Meiji era, in which these porcelains conquered the West, becoming ambassadors of Japanese taste throughout the world; Modern Production: today, Kutani is a state-protected artisan excellence, capable of blending respect for traditional secrets with contemporary sensibility. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
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