A Japanese Vase, ‘Koransha’, Arita, Meiji period, late 19th century
A richly enamelled and gilded Japanese porcelain vase made in Arita by the ‘The Scented Orchid Company’ (‘Koransha‘). The colourful brocade pattern incorporates asymmetric panels of karakusa scrolls and flower heads, alongside reserves decorated with flowering prunus branches. Two circular reserves in underglaze blue contain aquatic scenes with shells, reeds, and rippling water. The palette consists of turquoise, yellow, green, orange, red, and purple enamels with gilding and underglaze blue. The everted rim is decorated with a gilt band.
The underside bears the red-painted orchid mark of the period. Unidentified text is visible to the base of the interior.
‘The Scented Orchid Company’ was started in 1875 by the porcelain potter and businessman, Ezaiemon Fukagawa (1833-89), Tsuji Katsuzo, Tezuka Kamenosuke, and the brothers Fukaumi and Takeji Suminosuke.
Provenance: The Ian and Antonia Macpherson Collection, Old Hall, Blofield, Norfolk.
Condition: No chips, cracks or restoration. There is very light age-related wear to the enamel and gilt decoration, and minor glazing and firing flaws from manufacture, including kiln dust to the cover rim.
Dimensions: Height 12.5 cm