Japanese Meiji period small vase signed Kutani c1900. Finely shaped double gourd form decorated in characteristic iron-red and gilt overglaze decoration known as Akae Kutani or Lidaya style. Opposing floral panels with stylised designs in gilt over iron-red borders and bands. Painted Kutani characters to base (九谷). The vase is 17 cm in height.
 
The word Kutani means Nine Valleys and is the name of an area and a village. Kutani ceramics are divided into two phases: Ko-Kutani (old Kutani), from the 17th and early 18th centuries, and Saikō-Kutani from the revival of production in the 19th century - primarily for export. Ko-Kutani was decorated in typical polychrome colours (and are very rare) whilst in the 19th century the style shifted to a more red design called Akae Kutani or Lidaya style.