Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th century, porcelain hand painted in iron red and gold with a lush menagerie of dragons, phoenixes, and foo (shishi) lions frolicking over a soft ornate cloud ground, with a double band faux bamboo gilt rim, raised on three shaped feet, the underside with an inscription in iron red 加賀國綿埜製 (Kaga kuni watano sei) together with blue flower mark.

15 1/2 in.

Collection of a Gentleman, Yadkinville, North Carolina

Watano Kijichi established his kilns in the 1880s attempting to unite the Kutani ceramic industry to uphold standards and make exceptional export products. He invited artists to come and train and paint the ceramics. The porcelains produced were typically grand in size a wonderful canvas for the skillful artists and making them desired export products for the West.


Very good condition; one foot with unknown clear substance only visible under blacklight; some rubbing and wear to rim; felt pads to underside of feet.