Large Sumida-gawa Splendid Vase (Sumida-yaki

A museum-quality, expressive parade vase of the legendary Japanese export pottery Sumida-Gawa (Sumida-yaki) from the late Meiji period. The sculpted group presents the Buddhist Arhat (Lohan) Asita with his characteristic long eyebrows, reverently lifting a green-glazed offering bowl. He is flanked by his younger pupil (Karako). The robes are rendered in the finest blue-and-white underglaze porcelain painting. The upper portion of the vase is distinguished by a masterful, thick flambé glaze in deep lavender, violet, and seladon tones, creating a brilliant contrast to the bark-like red base. The underside shows the characteristic spirally turned foot with the raised, incised artist's seal in the shape of a gourde (calabash / hyotan). It is the rare, documented signature of Ishiguro Kōkō (石黒香々), incised with the characters Kō-ko (香二). Kōkō belonged, around the turn of the century, to the most talented masters of this style in Tokyo. Era-appropriate, honest, collectible condition. The right hand has been historically glued in the past; four fingers are missing (old, darkened missing piece). Age-related crazing on the porcelain garments. A fascinating and authentic enrichment for any discerning collection of Japanese art. Provenance: since 1994 in our old, well-kept German private collection Artist / Brand: Ishiguro Koko (石黒香々), signed with an registered Calabash-seal mark Model / Name: Sumida-Gawa Export Vase (Rakan Scene) Workshop: Originally in the pottery district of Asakusa directly on the Sumida River (Sumida-Gawa) Height 315 mm, Diameter 181 mm Weight 1,349 g, Stoneware / Earthenware (Soft Raku style) Japan, Late Meiji period (明治時代), ~1895–1905 The vase is packed very carefully and shipped with insurance up to €500 and tracking Combined shipping also for items from different auctions: If you win multiple items from my auctions within 2 days, I am happy to package them together to save you shipping costs. Please contact me directly after the first win and refrain from paying for the other items. I will then manually adjust the shipping costs for the subsequent, unpaid lots.

Estimate:$308.06

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