Sumida Gawa, A Pair of Vases and Oval Bowl with Figures

Early 20th century, includes a pair of vases with monks to one side and Mt. Fuji to the other, a two character artist's mark incised to the underside of each (7 1/4 x 4 x 3 in.), and an oval low bowl with multiple figures in relief holding onto the rim (diameter 8 5/8 in.), presented together with a copy of "Sumida...According to Us," a catalog in English about Sumida Gawa ceramic tradition.

Collection of Michael and Ingrid Kelly, Worldwide Gallery Antiques, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Sumida Gawa pottery is a distinctive type of Japanese ceramic ware named after the Sumida River near the Asakusa pottery district in Tokyo where it was first produced around 1890. The style, known for its bold colors, rich glazes, and whimsical three-dimensional relief animals and figures, was primarily created for export to the West.

The most prominent artist associated with Sumida Gawa ware is Inoue Ryosai, considered to be the style's originator. However, Sumida Gawa production is also closely linked to the work of his successors, Inoue Ryosai II and Inoue Ryosai III as well as other artists like Hara Gozan, Sakurai Fuji, and Sezan.

Both vases with a few small areas of paint flaking; one figure on bowl with loss to hand, a few with evidence of breaks and repairs to hands, some with nicks to feet, possible restoration to one end of bowl at rim, hairline wrapping rim.