Exhibition Scale Japanese Kutani Porcelain Punch Bowl, Meiji Period, Circa 1880–1900 (Watano)

Details

Description

An exceptional, monumental Japanese Kutani porcelain presentation punch bowl from the Meiji period. This rare, exhibition-scale vessel measures 16.5 inches … Read more An exceptional, monumental Japanese Kutani porcelain presentation punch bowl from the Meiji period. This rare, exhibition-scale vessel measures 16.5 inches in diameter and represents the height of late 19th Century Japanese exports for the Western market. Circa 1880–1900

The base features a hand-painted, iron-red two column signature: "九谷造" (Kutani Zō / Made in Kutani) and "綿野製" (Watano Sei / Made by Watano) This marks the piece as a premium product of the renowned Watano Trading Company or Studios (Watano Shōten), operating under Watano Genemon and Watano Kichiji out of Kobe and Yokohama. Importantly the base retains two original antique paper inventory labels with hand inked numerals, signifying its provenance from a historic private collection or early 20th Century estate archive

The exterior displays a continuous, fluid panoramic landscape frieze depicting an elegant procession of Bijin (beautiful women) and children strolling through a gardens.
The Interior showcases a highly detailed narrative composition. A large gathering of figures are framed by ancient, towering pine trees and blooming cherry blossoms (sakura) set against rolling distant mountains and low flying birds.
The Borders: The upper rim and interior shoulders are richly decorated with traditional Kutani aka-e (iron-red) geometric diaper-pattern fields, alternating with patterned gold brocade medallions

Condition. The bowl is in excellent antique condition, remaining structurally sound with no cracks, chips, or restorations. The polychrome enamels remain exceptionally bright and vibrant throughout the central scenes. Consistent with its age and handling, there is minor, honest rubbing to the border detailing along the upper rim, including a rub mark on one section of the outer iron-red enamel field.

Ideal display piece for entrances, hallways, dining rooms - or as part of a collection of Japanese porcelain.

Not many bowls of this size have survived intact. A rare find.
Listed by East2West Furniture Florida.

Watano Kichiji Shoten was one of the most famous Kutani export merchants in Japan. This award wining company was the most prominent of exporters of high end Kutani pieces during the Meiji Period. Based in Yokohama and Kobe cities. See less