Japanese Meiji Kutani Five Piece Porcelain Garniture with Shishi & Birds C.1890 Vases - Tripod Koro

Japanese Meiji Kutani Five Piece Porcelain Garniture with Shishi & Birds, circa 1890

A highly decorative and increasingly difficult to find complete five-piece Japanese Kutani porcelain garniture, dating to the late 19th century during the Meiji period (1868–1912), circa 1880–1900.

The garniture comprises a large central covered tripod koro or incense burner, a matching pair of smaller covered tripod vessels and a pair of slender-necked bottle vases.

The principal koro is particularly striking, raised upon three moulded feet and flanked by a pair of dramatic upward-curving handles. Its domed cover is surmounted by a finely modelled seated shishi or Japanese lion-dog finial.

Richly hand decorated throughout in the characteristic Kutani palette, with extensive iron-red enamelling, polychrome decoration and gilt detailing. The central vessel is painted with a large bird amongst flowering plants and foliage, complemented by further floral ornament and finely painted decorative borders.

The accompanying smaller covered vessels stand upon three feet and repeat the distinctive iron-red decoration and raised handles, while the two bottle vases are painted with birds amongst flowering plants, providing an attractive symmetrical accompaniment to the central group.

Fine gilt scrolls, stylised wave and floral ornament embellish the iron-red areas, with traces of the original gilding surviving throughout. Individual iron-red painted marks are present to the undersides of the pieces.

A particularly attractive feature of this group is that the five pieces survive together as a coordinated garniture, creating an impressive symmetrical display.

The porcelain shows the expected characteristics of genuine late-19th-century manufacture, including minor firing irregularities and age-related surface variation. There is rubbing and loss to areas of the original gilding and some wear to the enamels commensurate with age and use, all contributing to the character of the set.

Japanese, Meiji period, circa 1880–1900.

Dimensions:

Largest central piece approximately 18cm high.

Smallest piece approximately 9cm high.

Five pieces in total.

Condition: Good antique condition overall, with age-related rubbing and wear to the enamels and gilding. Please study the photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.

About CKB LTD.

CKB LTD. was formed in 2010 and operates as an independent dealer, with a focus on carefully selected works offered through private sale and online platforms.

The company emphasizes informed attribution, clear descriptions, and responsible market practice. Objects are evaluated through visual examination, comparative research, and reference to established art-historical frameworks, with attention to condition, authenticity, and context.

CKB LTD. works with private collectors, dealers, and international buyers, and conducts transactions in accordance with standard international art market conventions. Each item is offered as a collectible work of art, with transparency regarding condition and attribution, and with respect for the nature of historical objects.

Condition, Attribution & Authenticity Notice

This work is offered as an antique object based on visual examination and comparative stylistic analysis. All statements regarding age, origin, attribution, and period represent informed scholarly opinion and are not guarantees of absolute fact.

Condition descriptions are based on external observation only. The interior, underside of the base, and any internal cavities or consecration materials have not been examined. No technical analysis (including XRF, thermoluminescence, or metallurgical testing) has been performed.

As is typical with antique bronzes, minor casting irregularities, surface wear, rubbing to high points, oxidation, and age-related imperfections are present and should be expected. No visible repairs or restorations are observed from the available views; however, the absence of hidden restorations cannot be guaranteed.

All items are sold as is, and prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the photographs carefully and request additional information prior to purchase. By bidding or purchasing, the buyer acknowledges acceptance of the item?s condition and the nature of antique works.

International Buyers ? Important Information

This item is an antique work of art over 100 years old and is sold as a collectible object. Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or local taxes imposed by their country.

The seller does not provide CITES documentation, export permits, or cultural property certificates unless explicitly stated. Please verify import requirements with your local customs authority prior to purchase.

All shipments are professionally packed and fully insured. Title and risk pass to the buyer upon shipment.

This work is offered in accordance with standard international art market practices.