Vase - Ceramic - Japan - Kinkōzan (錦光山製) - Pair

Kinkōzan (錦光山製), Kyoto – Pair of Art Deco Polychrome Covered Vases – Taishō / Early Shōwa Period, c. 1920–1930

Description

A matched pair of covered vases produced by the Kinkōzan (錦光山製) workshop of Kyoto during the Taishō to early Shōwa period, circa 1920–1930.

The vases are of elegant ovoid form with domed covers and finial knobs, decorated in vibrant polychrome enamels outlined in dark manganese. Floral motifs are rendered in slight bas-relief beneath a finely crackled glaze. Alternating turquoise and amber lappet borders frame the shoulder and foot, reflecting the rhythmic geometric vocabulary associated with late Taishō and early Shōwa decorative design, often described today as Japanese Art Deco.

Both bases bear the red square seal mark 錦光山製 (Kinkōzan sei – “Made by Kinkōzan”), printed beneath the glaze.

Importantly, the lids and corresponding vase rims carry matching hand-painted assembly numbers, confirming that each cover is original to its body and that the pair remains intact as produced. This is a desirable feature, as many surviving examples have lost or mismatched lids over time.

These works represent the later export-oriented phase of the Kinkōzan kiln, where traditional Kyoto enamel techniques were adapted to modern decorative tastes of the interwar period.

Conditions of Sale

By placing a bid, the buyer enters into a binding contract and agrees to the following terms:

1. Shipment, Delivery & Risk

Delivery obligations are fulfilled upon transfer of the lot to a professional carrier for shipment to the address provided through the Catawiki platform. Official carrier tracking records, including delivery confirmation, delivery attempts, customs notifications, and status updates, constitute conclusive evidence of shipment and delivery progress. Risk transfers to the buyer upon dispatch. Claims of non-receipt that contradict carrier tracking confirmation will not invalidate the transaction.

2. Customs, Refusal & Contract Termination

All import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, brokerage charges, and related governmental assessments are solely the buyer’s responsibility. Refusal to accept delivery for any reason — including refusal to pay customs duties or import charges — constitutes:

• Voluntary refusal of performance
• Material breach of contract
• Immediate termination of the sale in favor of the seller

In such cases, the seller reserves the right to:

• Request full payment release from Catawiki
• Recover all return shipping fees, storage fees, administrative charges, carrier penalties, and related costs
• Apply a reasonable restocking fee where permitted
• Decline any obligation to reship the lot

Returned parcels caused by refusal, non-payment of customs, failure to collect, or incorrect address remain entirely at the buyer’s risk and expense.

3. Condition & Description

All lots are sold “as is” and “as photographed.”

Photographs form part of the description and accurately represent visible condition at the time of listing.

Age-related wear, patina, oxidation, glaze variation, craquelure, firing marks, surface irregularities, minor losses, restorations, manufacturing variations, and material inconsistencies are inherent characteristics of antique, vintage, and collectible objects across all categories and do not constitute defects. The absence of reference to condition issues does not imply perfect condition. No warranty is made that any lot is free from restoration, repair, alteration, or replacement unless expressly stated in writing.

4. Attribution & Opinion

Any statement regarding age, origin, period, maker, material, cultural attribution, or historical context reflects informed opinion based on experience and research. Such statements are not guarantees or warranties. Differences in scholarly opinion, stylistic interpretation, market reassessment, or third-party evaluation do not constitute grounds for cancellation, dispute, or refund.

5. We pride ourselves on taking the time to pack well, however that does not reduce the risk of damage or breakage to absolute zero. Bidding is with accepting this concept in mind.

By bidding, the buyer acknowledges full acceptance of these Conditions of Sale.