Pair of Porcelain Japanese Kutani Vases

A fine Pair of Kutani Vases each vase features a baluster-shaped body with a flared rim and waisted neck, richly adorned with intricate decorative bands in iron and gilt. The upper sections display geometric and floral motifs, with fan-shaped panels and elaborate gilded ornamentation.

The main bodies are decorated on both sides with finely painted Japanese scenes. One side depicts Geisha in traditional Kimonos within a picturesque landscape of trees, flowering plants, blossom and rocky terrain, while the reverse features colourful birds amongst flowering branches and foliage. The contrasting scenes are framed by decorative borders, with rich iron-red bands and gilt highlights completing the design.

The pair display the characteristic richness of Kutani porcelain, combining intricate hand-painted decoration, vibrant enamel colours and generous gilding. An attractive matching pair of Japanese vases, ideal for display in a traditional or eclectic interior, or as part of a collection of Japanese export porcelain.

30.5 cm tall

This is a signature mark to the underside of each vase belonging to the Watano Trading Company (Watano Trading Co.), which was one of the most prominent, award-winning manufacturers and exporters of Japanese Kutani porcelain during the Meiji period (1868–1912).

The company was established by Watano Kichiji (and later run alongside his brother Watano Genshi) in the Ishikawa Prefecture. Watano was highly influential in elevating Kutani ware to a global stage, actively exhibiting their fine, highly detailed hand-painted porcelain at major international world fairs—such as the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle—where they won numerous awards.

Because Watano specialized heavily in export luxury wares, their items typically feature intricate designs combining gold gilt, deep iron-red lines, and detailed imagery of figures, flowers, or birds. Finding a "Watano Sei" mark generally identifies the piece as an authentic, high-quality antique from late 19th-century or very early 20th-century Japan.

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