Large finely decorated Meiji period Japanese Kutani vase c1895. The vase is of elongated ovoid form with collar neck. Characteristic iron-red and gilt overglaze decoration known as Akae Kutani or Lidaya style. Decorated with various pairs of birds centrally around the body together with floral and foliate designs. Band of geometric designs to neck and foot. A particularly delicately painted and gilded example. Painted characters for Kutani Tsukuru (Kutani made) to base, including the Kutani characters (九谷). The vase is 32 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.