Βάζο - Πορσελάνη - Ιαπωνία - χειροποίητα ζωγραφισμένο, ύψος 40 εκ (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

Kutani Ware Vase — Meitou Kiln (九谷焼 明陶窯)
Description

This is a Japanese Kutani ware (Kutani-yaki) vase, a traditional overglaze-enameled porcelain from Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The wooden storage box (tomobako) bears the inscription "Meitou-gama" (明陶窯), and the base of the vase is marked with the seal "Meitou" (明陶).

The vase is decorated on a cream-white ground with a rich palette dominated by iron-red (aka-e) enamels and gold accents. The body features autumn maple leaves, chrysanthemums in white, purple, pink and orange, and finely painted long-tailed birds and pheasants among the blossoms. Below the flared rim, a red-ground band decorated with gold cloud motifs and a diamond-shaped medallion enclosing a phoenix encircles the neck. The glaze has an overall fine crackle (kan'nyū), typical of aged Kutani porcelain.

Meaning of the motifs

The decoration is composed of traditional auspicious (kissho) symbols:

Chrysanthemum (kiku) — long associated in Japan with nobility and longevity, and used as the Imperial crest; a classic emblem of good health and long life.
Maple leaves (momiji) — represent the passing of autumn and the beauty of the changing seasons, a recurring theme in Japanese decorative art.
Long-tailed birds and pheasants — birds with long plumage symbolize prosperity and longevity, and are considered auspicious motifs.
Phoenix (hōō) — the mythical bird depicted within the diamond medallion below the rim; in East Asian tradition it is a sign of peace and prosperity, reserved for especially fine or formal wares.

Together, these motifs form an auspicious composition wishing prosperity, longevity, and good fortune to its owner.

Condition
The vase itself is in good condition, with no notable chips or cracks.
The storage box (tomobako) has a small area of surface wood peeling on its thinnest outer panel.
The fine crackle pattern (kan'nyū) visible throughout the glaze is a natural characteristic of aged Kutani ware, not damage.

Please refer to the photographs as part of the description, as they form part of the item's condition report.

Size & Weight
Height: approx. 40 cm
Width (max diameter): approx. 20 cm
Weight: approx. 2,300 g (vase only, box not included)

Shipping: Carefully packed and shipped via DHL or EMS with tracking and insurance.

Customs & VAT: Please note that Value Added Tax (VAT), import duties, and customs fees are the buyer's responsibility and may be collected by your local customs office upon delivery.

Please note that as of 1 July 2026, the EU has abolished the de minimis customs exemption. All shipments to EU countries are now subject to import duties and VAT regardless of the declared value of the goods. For shipments with a declared value under €150, an additional customs processing fee of €3 may also apply.