Meiji Decorative Objects

A rare published glazed ceramic bowl with surface paint decoration by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan ((1842–1916) with its original inscribed tomobako storage wood box. Unlike the better-known works Kozan made for the expositions in the west and export to the foreign market, this piece exemplifies his work for the domestic market and specifically, the tea ceremony. The bowl was made in the so called "Utusushi" Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743), a celebrated Edo painter and ceramicist. Utusushi is loosely translated as "in the spirit of". It is not at all a simple imitation of a master, but a Japanese concept of embracing the spiritual essence of a master while the creator is free to mix in his or her own unique artistic interpretation and flavor. The bowl was made to hold sweet cakes during the tea ceremony. It has a very distinguished form with a circular swelled lower body morphing into a square upper portion that further opening with flared rim. The surface has a distinct glaze pattern partitioned diagonally in black and brown. On top, snow-covered branches of prunus flowers were painted overglaze in a poetic near-abstract fashion. Blooming in winter, prunus flower is the symbol of the season and cherished for its resistance to cold. The bowl was likely reserved for the tea ceremony during the winter months. A white porcelain plaque with Kozan in black inlay was placed on the black glaze toward the bottom. Under the base, the bowl was further branded with two incised characters "Makuzu" as shown. The original tomobako bears ink inscription and paper slip label "Sweet Bowl...

A beautiful pair of 19th century Meiji period Japanese Bronze fan tailed Partridges, on a shaped wooden base. Circa 1900 Japan H: 9 in / 23 cm ; Base: W: 13.77 in / 35 cm ; D: 8.6...

This box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the t...

19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese hand-carved wood seated monkey. The eyes are inlaid and made of glass. The fur and details are very realistic. The piece is signed on the bottom ...

This exceptional Japanese Meiji period okimono depicts Fukurokuju, the lucky god of wealth and happiness. The figure is very finely carved from a single piece of dense tightly graine...

A tall ceramic satsuma ware vase in a rare slender trumpet form with very fine surface decoration by Japanese potter Taizan Yohei IX (1864-1922). The vase was dated to late Meiji period circa 1890-1900s. The main motif and the focal point of the vase is the continuous panel that circumvents the entire mid-body, apparently a rendition of the Boy's Festival, known as "Tango no Sekku" in Japanese. The traditional festival is celebrated on May 5th of each year. Originated in Nara Period...

A large Japanese ceramic vase from end of Meiji period circa 1880s- 1910s by Kinkozan (1645-1927). One of the largest studio manufacturers of the export ceramics at the time based in Kyoto. In the typical style of satsuma made at the turn of 20th century, the vase is of a moon jar shape and finely decorated with kinran-de (gold paint) on a cream white background with even fine crackles. What sets this particular vase apart from many lower quality and mass-produced pieces is the meticulously renditioned surface decoration. Lavishly gilded with a continuous design, the carefully composed imagery depicts an elaborately decorated float cart in a festival parade. A group of people are seated within the float with a woman and a child standing in the front. Surrounding the float are streams of marchers dressed...

A small copper crab with articulated legs made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. One of the pair (the other one is listed separately LU945044034102, bu...

Elegant and beautiful Dressing Table or it could be suitable for a jewellery box , Meiji Period ( 1868 - 1912 ). Executed with black lacquer, holding a bronze hand mirror ( ekagami) Configured with five smooth-running drawers of different Size. Two are equipped with slender "hirute"-shaped bail handles and three with decorative pull-rings. The front-and backside featuring oval grips for easy transport. Surmounted by a mirror frame in a shape reminiscent of a Shintô shrine torii-gate- a twin-posted framework with a triangular crossbar flared in upswept Chinese-style gable ( Karahafu) endings. Resting of the frame is the Japanese traditional handheld mirror with auspicious embossed design of wisteria ( fuji) and lovely patina. Inscription on the right. Considering its age the set is in a very good condition with some traces of usage and wear conform age. Dimensions: Dressing stand...

A masterpiece, rare, 19th Century Japanese bronze Jardinière/centerpiece of a group of Japanese travelers on a boat, signed on the bottom, Genryusai Seiya...

An antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel over brass brush pot. The cylindrical form pot is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers and birds, and a geometrical ornament mad...

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Green Gold Stone Enamel White Dragon Vase A large antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase, featuring an im...

Superb Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, intricately gilded in platinum and hand painted, showcasing an auspicious phoenix in deep blue underglaze, dramatically extend...

An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, covered enamel over brass pot or box. The body of the ware is enameled with polychrome images of cranes, medallions with blossoming flowers and b...

Hanakago basket for ikebana in rattan and bamboo. Oblong, rounded on the sides, it features a lacquered bamboo vase. Rattan braiding scattered over the body, tightly woven over the ...

Exuisite Japanese contemporary decorative square porcelain charger, hand painted in purple, pink and blue, and signed by a widely acclaimed master porcelain artist of Japan’s Imari-A...

Pair 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Imari Lidded Urns are extraordinarily well preserved, retaining their vivid coloration derived from copper and cobalt based pigments even afte...

A fantastic, wonderfully glaze stoneware Banko ware vase with beautifully detailed craftsmanship. Banko ware pottery is thought to have originate...

Exquisite Japanese Contemporary decorative porcelain vase, extremely intricately hand painted In vivid green and blue on a stunningly shaped body, featuring a “flowers-in-the-wind” m...

Exquisite Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, intricately hand painted in a beautiful light blue on an stunning bottle shape body, a signed piece by highly acclaimed mas...

A Japanese long neck porcelain vase circa 1900-1910s by the studio of Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected Japanese ceramist from the end of Meiji Period. Commonly known as Makuzu Kozan, which also appears as the signature on his work, his originally birth name was Miyagawa Toranosuke. He was the appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household and his work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century. This vase features an elegant Classic form with a slender neck and slightly flared mouth above a baluster body. It was finely painted with two swimming carps in a copper red underglaze among green ribbons like waves. The background display a brilliant verdant green overall, Around the fish a poetic hazy effect was emphasized for a visual complexity by Fuki-e (the blow painting), an invention in Kozan's studio. The new technical development of chemical colors from the west was embraced circa 1900s in Kozan studio. This empowered the more creative experiments with not only colors, but also concept of dimension, which led Makuzu Kozan's work to become a bridge between East and West aesthetics. This is particularly evident in this vase with the Masterly details of the brush strokes, the expertly employment of gradient of color, and a very realistic and detailed rendering of the fish and their vivid motions. For two similar examples of Kozan's work with similar carps decoration, see Page 148-149 of the book: Sekai ni Aisa Reta ya Kimono Miyagawa Kozan Makuzu...

An antique Japanese Meiji era cloisonne enamel vase. The vases has a baluster shaped body. Features blue medallions adorned with enameled floral and bird motifs. Medallions are on a ...

Japanese contemporary porcelain decorative porcelain vase, hand painted in red and blue on a beautifully shaped ovoid porcelain body, a signed piece by widely acclaimed Japanese mast...

Nice Japanese glove box in red, yellow and black lacquered wood dating from the end of the 19th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and red characters. Inside you have...

Exquisite Japanese contemporary gilded porcelain decorative vase, intricately hand painted in red, white and blue on a beautifully shaped body, a signed work by highly acclaimed Japa...

Hand-carved free-standing Japanese Fisherman Figurine. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning for display as an art or decorative object. Figure is a smiling man dressed in traditional c...

Pair of black cast bronze Japanese candleholders censer. Oriental antique late 19th century Meiji period Japanese heavy black bronze candlesticks...

Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture of a geisha waiving her hand in greeting signed Genryusai Seiya 19th Century The attractive young geisha is dressed in traditional Ja...

Unique contemporary Japanese porcelain decorative vase, intricately hand painted in underglazed blue on an elegantly shaped globular porcelain body, a signed piece by widely respecte...

Sharing with you this unusual and magnificent bowl from the Meiji period (19th century). It has a very interesting and lovely blue and polychrome scene Unmarked at the base. Additi...

Exquisite Japanese large contemporary decorative porcelain vase, intricately gilded and hand painted in striking shades of blue on a beautifully shaped porcelain body, a signed maste...

Large Japonese Vase Satsuma Circa 1930. H / 13 inches.

A miniature Japanese ceramic vase from the end of Meiji period circa 1880s- 1910s by Kinkozan (1645-1927). One of the largest studio manufacturers of the export ceramics at the time ...

Spectacular Japanese bronze sculpture of a roaring tiger from the Meiji era with etched stripes and glass eyes. This piece has a beautiful dark patina, great detail work, and include...

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) burl wood slab for presenting a flower arrangment or beautiful object.

A fine Japanese miniature kodansu constructed from Kaki wood (Persimmon) circa 19th century, late Meiji period. With its expressive exotic wood grains and exposed tenon construction,...

A rare antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over copper vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a long fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming Wisteria flowers and fish...

A matched pair of antique Japanese vases of elongated shape with long flared necks. Meiji period, 1868-1913. The pieces are decorated wi...

Pair of Chinese cloisonne vases of bulbous form with long necks, decorated with multicolored lotus and foliate designs on white and blue backgrounds with gilt rims. 15"

A bronze vase having a sinuous teardrop form and high-relief naturalistic decoration of swaying orchids and a meandering turtle.

Meiji Bronze Fisherman Okimono, Sealed Masatsune saku Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912) A fine and rare Meiji period bronze Okimono of a fisherman by Masatsune Saku, originating from Japan and crafted during the Meiji period (1868–1922). This exquisite piece is a notable example of the Tokyo School's artistry, dating to the late 19th century. The Okimono depicts a fisherman seated on a four-rung ladder, holding a bamboo fishing rod...

Beautiful Chinese porcelain plate with a stunning colour. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Age: Pre-1800 Original/Reproduction: Original...

A large pair of antique Japanese Totai Shippo cloisonne enamel and Satsuma porcelain vases, Meiji era, 1868 to 1912. Of a baluster form, on the b...

Japanese late Meiji period bronze vessel, beautifully patinated with riche brow and red patina.

A beautiful pair of high quality antique Japanese Meiji Era brass and enamel vases, 1868 to 1912. Both are of a baluster form with elegant narro...

An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne covered jar adorned with exquisite floral designs. This cloisonne jar showcases the mastery of Japanese artisa...

A Meiji period cloisonné box and cover, Ando Company, worked in silver wire and coloured enamels with an array of brightly coloured flowers, reserved against a rich midnight-blue ground, with silver rims and a silk lining, inlaid Ando mark. Japanese, circa 1910. Provenance: Acquired from Acanthus...

An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period . Rounded vase with pronounced neck. The body is covered with a butterfly pattern, the neck is decorat...

An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase with an eagle. Circa early 20th century, 1900s. The vase is decorated with an autumn landscape with white chrysanthemums and an image ...

A pair of Japanese Meiji Period (1852-1912) bronze altar candlesticks / incense holders with attractive warm brownish red bronze color and patina. Japan, 19th century, diminutive /...

Antique pair of Japanese meiji style vases 20th century

A late 19th or early 20th century Meiji Period bud vase cast in bronze and featuring engraved bronze dragon relief and stylized elephant handles. It is an export piece and it probabl...

Exquisite Japanese Contemporary porcelain beckoning cat, a uniquely and intricately gilded and hand painted porcelain sculpture from the Kutani region of Japan. The cat raising his left paw is adorned with multiple golden medallions and is covered with raised loops characteristic of the Kutani “mori” style. While the origins of the Japanese beckoning cat are unclear, contemporary woodblock prints show they were being widely sold as good luck charms by the 1850s. The beckoning cat comes in two varieties. The more common right-handed beckoning cat (with right paw raised) is said to bring money and wealth to its owner, and are to this day frequently seen in shops and restaurants in Japan. The less common left-handed cat is said to be inviting friends and acquaintances to hearth and home. The “mori” style refers to raised loops and other decorative motifs applied by squeezing a tube of slip onto the body of the cat much like applying frosting to a cake. The cat boasts the traditional Kutani colors of bright green, red and yellow presented against an dark blue background, and is generously accentuated with gold. The red kerchief with a knotted amulet in the back and two bells on the side also identify this as a traditional Kutani piece, as do the perked ears turned outward. A stamp indicating it is produced in Kutani region of Japan appears at reverse side of this beckoning cat scultures...

A pair of Japanese cloisonne enamel early Meiji translucent enamel vases . Each vase has an urn shaped body, a wide neck, and a fluted base. The vases are adorned with polychrome ena...

Four fine quality "Nippon" AUTHENTIC vases from the Meiji dynasty; Japan, Circa 1910. They are all hand painted with moriage accents to three of them; indicative and representative ...

An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase showcasing the body adorned with intricate cloisonne enamel work, displaying crane designs set against a goldstone background. The lon...

This remarkable foo dog carrying a decorative vessel embodies both artistry and symbolism, featuring a vase adorned with images of Buddhist monks adorned with gilded halos. The foo d...

Sharing with you this amazing Japanese Kutani model of a recumbent sleeping cat, 19th Century. The details and facial expression are amazing. With enamel ribbon bow tied around its n...

A pair of identical antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, circa 1885. Baluster shape, solid base, pronounced neck. Golden stone flake ground,...

A very beautiful pair of polychromed Kutani porcelain Japanese vases, circa early 20th century, Meiji period, Japan. Vases are hand painted and designed with two different sides; one...