A finely decorated Japanese Kutani porcelain lidded jar dating to the late Meiji period, circa 1880–1910. This substantial example is executed in the Kutani aka-e kinran-de style and retains its original fitted lid, an important advantage as matching covers were frequently lost over time. The underside bears a red overglaze mark generally read as 九谷 (“Kutani”), consistent with late Meiji Kutani export ware.
The jar is decorated with the traditional “Thousand Scholars” subject, showing a dense gathering of sages, scholars and attendants painted in continuous figural scenes around the body. Each face is individually rendered, while the robes, scrolls and layered garments display exceptionally fine linear brushwork and careful detailing. The crowded composition, enriched with gold throughout, creates the strong visual richness characteristic of high-quality late Meiji Kutani ware.
The palette is dominated by iron-red enamels and extensive gilding, enriched with delicate black and grey detailing. Unlike later heavily raised moriage wares, the decoration here relies on exceptionally fine brushwork and densely layered hand painting, giving the piece a more refined appearance. The gilding is used across the composition to unify the crowded figural decoration and intricate ornamental borders.
The original fitted lid is decorated with a central medallion featuring three large butterflies surrounded by smaller examples among stylised flowering branches, painted in iron-red, grey and gold enamels matching the body. In Japanese decorative art, butterflies were traditionally associated with beauty, elegance and happiness. This more open and decorative composition creates an attractive contrast with the dense Thousand Scholars decoration below.
Kutani covered jars with complete original lids and finely executed Thousand Scholars decoration remain highly sought after for their rich surface decoration and strong cabinet presence.
Dimensions:
Height 22.5 cm
Diameter 15.3 cm
Weight 947 g
Condition:
Small general wear to the enamels consistent with age. Otherwise excellent antique condition. The lid is present and original to the piece.
A finely decorated Japanese Kutani porcelain lidded jar dating to the late Meiji period, circa 1880–1910. This substantial example is executed in the Kutani aka-e kinran-de style and retains its original fitted lid, an important advantage as matching covers were frequently lost over time. The underside bears a red overglaze mark generally read as 九谷 (“Kutani”), consistent with late Meiji Kutani export ware.
The jar is decorated with the traditional “Thousand Scholars” subject, showing a dense gathering of sages, scholars and attendants painted in continuous figural scenes around the body. Each face is individually rendered, while the robes, scrolls and layered garments display exceptionally fine linear brushwork and careful detailing. The crowded composition, enriched with gold throughout, creates the strong visual richness characteristic of high-quality late Meiji Kutani ware.
The palette is dominated by iron-red enamels and extensive gilding, enriched with delicate black and grey detailing. Unlike later heavily raised moriage wares, the decoration here relies on exceptionally fine brushwork and densely layered hand painting, giving the piece a more refined appearance. The gilding is used across the composition to unify the crowded figural decoration and intricate ornamental borders.
The original fitted lid is decorated with a central medallion featuring three large butterflies surrounded by smaller examples among stylised flowering branches, painted in iron-red, grey and gold enamels matching the body. In Japanese decorative art, butterflies were traditionally associated with beauty, elegance and happiness. This more open and decorative composition creates an attractive contrast with the dense Thousand Scholars decoration below.
Kutani covered jars with complete original lids and finely executed Thousand Scholars decoration remain highly sought after for their rich surface decoration and strong cabinet presence.
Dimensions:
Height 22.5 cm
Diameter 15.3 cm
Weight 947 g
Condition:
Small general wear to the enamels consistent with age. Otherwise excellent antique condition. The lid is present and original to the piece.
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