Vintage Kutani-yaki Meito-gama Ceramic Vase, Gold Enamel Peacock & Flower Bird Design

<p>Maker / Brand: Meito-gama Title of Work: Kutani Ware Meito-gama Peacock and Floral Gold-Decorated Vintage Vase</p> <p>This exquisite Kutani ware vase from the Meito-gama kiln is a vibrant example to traditional Japanese ceramic artistry. Adorned with a magnificent peacock amidst lush peonies and pine trees, its rich colors and detailed details create a striking visual narrative. This vintage piece, originally a cherished wedding gift, offers a unique blend of history and beauty.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background Kutani ware, originating from Ishikawa Prefecture, is renowned for its distinctive overglaze enamels and bold, vibrant designs. Developed in the mid-17th century, Kutani ceramics are celebrated for their "gosai" (five colors) palette – red, green, yellow, purple, and dark blue – which are applied with remarkable skill to depict natural scenes, mythological creatures, and auspicious symbols. These pieces are highly prized for their decorative appeal and cultural significance, often gracing homes and ceremonies.</p> <p>Design & Technique The vase features a stunning hand-painted design, showcasing a majestic peacock with its iridescent tail feathers fanned, perched among vivid red peonies and verdant pine branches. The pine tree is elegantly highlighted with kin-sai (gold decoration), adding a touch of luxurious shimmer that catches the light. The overall composition is dynamic and harmonious, set against a subtly crackled, creamy background glaze that enhances the depth of the colorful enamels.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Elegant Silhouette:</strong> The vase boasts a classic, graceful form with a gently flaring mouth and a subtly tapered body, providing a refined canvas for its detailed artwork. * <strong>Vibrant Palette:</strong> The rich, jewel-toned enamels of the peacock, peonies, and pine create a striking contrast against the pale ceramic, embodying the iconic vibrancy of Kutani ware. * <strong>Symbolic Imagery:</strong> The peacock, a symbol of beauty and good fortune, combined with the longevity of the pine and the prosperity of the peony, gives the piece with auspicious meaning.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Authentic Kutani Craftsmanship:</strong> This vase represents a fine example of Meito-gama's skill in Kutani ware, making it a valuable addition for collectors of Japanese ceramics. * <strong>Timeless Elegance:</strong> Its classic design and rich symbolism ensure it will serve as a striking focal point in any interior, from traditional to contemporary settings. * <strong>Unique Provenance:</strong> While bearing a name on the reverse from its original presentation as a wedding gift, this detail adds to its unique story and vintage charm, without detracting from its excellent condition, free from notable dirt, scratches, chips, cracks, or breaks.</p> <p>This splendid Kutani vase is an ideal acquisition for those who appreciate the enduring beauty and cultural depth of Japanese decorative arts.</p> <h3>Details</h3> <table style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100%"><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Condition</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Excellent</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Origin</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Kutani, Ishikawa</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Material</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Ceramic</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Era</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Unknown</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Dimensions</td><td style="padding:4px 0">高さ　30.2cm / 幅　12.5cm / 口径　9.3cm / サイズ 口径　9.3cm</td></tr></table>