Antique Small Hand Painted Vases, Kutani, Japan, Meiji Period

A pair of antique miniature Kutani hand-painted earthenware vases of baluster form with flared necks showcases the elegance of traditional Japanese pottery. The vases' bodies feature continuous scenes depicting a Japanese teacher and his students, all dressed in traditional attire, against a serene natural backdrop with a river. The intricate gilded patterns and highlights enhance the richness of the design. The necks of each vase are painted in Kutani's signature coral or brownish-red hues, with gilded accents that add a touch of luxury. Kutani ware, a distinct style of Japanese pottery, is known for its vibrant overglaze painting. Similar to Imari ware, it is made from clay that is dried before firing and adorned with intricate pictorial ornamentation and vivid, sharp lines. Kutani's origins trace back to 1655 in Kaga, Ishikawa, when the first kiln was established. However, production halted at the end of the 17th century and was not revived until the 19th century during the Meiji period, a time when Japan re-opened its borders to international trade. Kutani ware became one of the first Japanese pottery styles to be exported. Kutani pottery is classified by its production period. The earliest, known as Ko-Kutani, is extremely rare, while the Saiko-Kutani period in the 19th century marked a revival. Kutani wares from this era, also known as Kaga-style wares, are renowned for their rich use of brownish-red, muddy yellow and intense green on a greyish ground. They include a wide variety of items, often created for the Western market, such as tea and coffee sets, dishes, bowls, incense burners, and small decorative objects. These vases embody the beauty and craftsmanship of this treasured Japanese tradition.
Dimensions: height 8.8 cm, diameter in the wide part of 5.4 cm.
Condition: excellent - only minor losses of gilding and coloring. Due to its age the glaze on the bottom is covered with a thin mesh of craquelure
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