Meiji Period Jap. Seto Porcelain Vase – Kawamoto Masukichi

Rare Meiji Period Japanese Seto Porcelain Trumpet Vase – Signed Kawamoto Masukichi Antique Japanese Seto Porcelain Blown-Out Vase, Kitōken Kawamoto Masukichi, c. 1890s Item Description Up for sale is an exceptional, highly collectible example of late 19th-century Japanese Meiji Period export porcelain. This substantial 13-inch trumpet-form vase was crafted in the historic pottery region of Seto (Aichi Prefecture) by the renowned studio of master potter Kawamoto Masukichi (川本枡吉), operating under the studio name Kitōken (奇陶軒). Artistry & Design This piece showcases a sophisticated combination of high-relief molding and meticulous hand-painted underglaze decoration: Relief-Molded Body: The central body features a stunning "blown-out" dimensional design of white chrysanthemums that physically push out from the surface, creating an exquisite tactile texture. Masterful Shading: The foliage and delicate stems are hand-painted in rich underglaze tones, seamlessly transitioning into organic, swirling Art Nouveau-style flourishes. Deep Cobalt Base: The bulbous lower basin is finished in a high-gloss, deep vibrant cobalt blue glaze. It is distinctively punctuated by a ring of crisp, unglazed circular "window" motifs—a hallmark of high-end Meiji decorative wares. Intricate Interior Rim: The wide, dramatic trumpet flare opens to reveal an meticulously hand-painted underglaze blue geometric scrollwork border running along the inner rim. Maker's Mark / Authenticity The underside features a crisp, authentic 9-character underglaze blue signature arranged in two columns: Right Column: 瀬戸 奇陶軒 (Seto Kitōken — Made at the Kitōken Studio in Seto) Left Column: 川本 枡吉 製 (Kawamoto Masukichi Sei — Manufactured by Kawamoto Masukichi) Kawamoto Masukichi I and II were legendary pioneering figures of Meiji-era ceramics, celebrated globally at international world expositions (including the 1878 Paris Expo) for engineering intricate, high-quality porcelain specifically targeted for the Western market. Specifications Origin: Seto, Japan Period: Meiji Era (Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century, c. 1880–1910) Form: Trumpet Flare / Baluster base Height: 13 inches (approx. 33 cm) Width: 8.5 inches at widest point (approx. 21.5 cm) Material: Fine Porcelain Technique: Relief-molding ("blown-out"), hand-painted underglaze blue and green Condition Report Excellent antique condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs detected under close inspection. Clear glaze remains bright and glossy. Nearest intersection Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue