Meiji Imari Porcelain Vase with Kachō Fūgetsu, Japan, 1880s

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Imari porcelain vase, kachō fūgetsu, meiji period, circa 1880 – japan

material: imari or arita porcelain
period: meiji period, circa … Read more Imari porcelain vase, kachō fūgetsu, meiji period, circa 1880 – japan

material: imari or arita porcelain
period: meiji period, circa 1880
manufacturer: fukagawa / koransha, arita
country of origin: japan
provenance: private collection, london, england
good condition considering its age and use
overall dimensions: 146 x 60 x 60 cm
vase: 90 x 50 cm
base: 56 x 60 x 60 cm

a unique and spectacular large vase, adorned with a rich kachō fūgetsu (花鳥風月) style decoration, a japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept that literally means "flower, bird, wind, and moon" and translates as "the beauties of nature."

its vibrant colors, characteristic of imari porcelain, are striking. The base is stamped in iron red. The main scene is an exuberant manifestation of oriental nature. Large peonies in ochre and orange tones, a symbol of royalty and implicitly representing prosperity, honor, and beauty in japanese culture, take center stage. This important and symbolic aesthetic is complemented by undulating cherry blossom branches that support nightingales in a penetrating, intense blue. The entire artistic representation is further enhanced by small wildflowers among moss-covered rock formations, which lend the depth characteristic of traditional japanese landscape compositions. The neck of the vase is framed by an intricate geometric motif with gilded outlines, whose narrative connects us to the traditional opulence characteristic of these pieces during the meiji era.

imari porcelain is the western name given to porcelain products made in the village of arita (saga), japan. Specifically, imari is the neighboring city from whose port porcelain is exported abroad. Arita, as a pottery center, has its origins in the 18th century, when a kaolin deposit was discovered. From then on, porcelain with a strong chinese influence was produced, since before the discovery, all the ceramics in japan were imported from china and korea. Thanks to its high export volume, imari porcelain designs were decisive in the process of orientalizing european ceramics in the porcelain production centers of meissen and vincennes. After the meiji era, imari porcelain underwent a process of industrialization, and its production continues to this day.

it is displayed on a large hexagonal base with a metal core, covered in finely carved panels of precious wood and framed by fretwork with floral and vegetal motifs on a gilded base. It is supported by four bronze lion's paw feet.

fukagawa is one of the most prestigious porcelain manufacturers in the arita region. Its origins lie in an important family lineage dating back to 1650. Around 1875, fukagawa viii fused the centuries-old tradition of arita ceramics with the technical innovations of the late 19th century. A large number of pieces were exported through the east india company.

its monumental vases, decorated with bold compositions on translucent white porcelain and featuring a vibrant cobalt blue underglaze, earned it the gold medal at the universal exposition in paris in 1900. In 1910, it became the official supplier to the imperial household of japan, a position it still holds today. Its hallmark on the base always depicts mount fuji rising from a river.

this is undoubtedly a museum-quality masterpiece, destined for export, of extraordinary quality and beauty. See less