Antique Japanese Awaji Green Glazed Three-Handled Pottery Amphora Vase, 1890

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Three arched strap handles bridge the flared trumpet neck and rounded globular body of this earthenware vase, lending it the … Read more Three arched strap handles bridge the flared trumpet neck and rounded globular body of this earthenware vase, lending it the balanced symmetry of an antique amphora or presentation tyg. The vessel rises from a turned pedestal foot into an ample spherical lower section, tapering gently at the waist before expanding outward into a wide, dished rim. The piece is finished in the deep emerald green monochrome glaze celebrated in Awaji Island ceramics from the Meiji era, probably made around 1890. This translucent lead-based glaze creates rich tonal gradation over the buff earthenware body beneath, pooling into darker, almost mossy tones along the handle junctions and hollows, while catching the light with a high-gloss glassy sheen across the smooth flanks. Measuring 24 cm in height, the vase exemplifies the export-oriented decorative pottery created on Awaji during the late nineteenth century, when workshops adapted classical Western silhouettes to satisfy international demand. The underside features a deeply recessed circular well coated in matching glaze, bordered by an unglazed resting rim that reveals the pale, compact earthenware paste. Overall preservation is very good across the main vessel, with the glossy glaze retaining its brilliant colour and no cracks or restorations to the body or handles. Several small chips and glaze flakes are visible around the unglazed foot rim, incurred through table contact over time, alongside minor age-related handling marks and fine glaze lines that do not detract from its strong decorative impact. See less