Finely decorated Meiji period Japanese Kutani vase signed Kutani Zo Wataya Sei c1870. Broad baluster shaped body decorated in characteristic iron-red and gilt overglaze decoration known as Akae Kutani or Lidaya style. Decorated with Oriental motifs and three figural panels around the body. Band of geometric designs to neck and foot. A very finely painted and gilded example. Painted characters to base including the Kutani characters (九谷) and signed Wataya Sei. The vase is 27.5 cm in height and 21 cm maximum diameter.
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.
Early Meiji Period Kutani Vase Signed Kutani Zo Wataya Sei c1870
This vase is in overall very good original condition commensurate with age. Extremely minor gilt loses. No cracks, chips or restoration. The vase would have originally had a lid - however this vase remains a beautifully decorative item. Minor firing blemishes from original as would be expected in items of this period. Please see images as these form an important part of the description.
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