Japan Meiji Era Kutani Ginger Jar Watano Genuemon 1876-80 W/Inner Lid

Description: This is a Kutani ware ginger jar with its inner lid, dating from the Meiji era (1860-1912). The characters on the bottom date say that it was made by/under Watano Genuemon. He was the founding Watano family member to be working with Kutani ware dynasty that followed. He began as a merchant with a shop in Terai. He started his Kutani business in 1860, and in 1876 he was the first Kutani maker to move and open a branch in Kobe, nearer to global market opportunities. Pieces signed in this way belong to that period. His son, Watano Kichiji, took over in 1880, and his son then moved the shop from Kobe to Yokohama. Watano Kichiji, the son, became the one to proliferate and refine Kutani ware and expand its export overseas in an impressive way, but I find it fascinating to see the beginnings of the 5-generation Watano Kutani ware global family legacy in this piece, and therefore we apparently can date this item fairly closely to 1876-1880. The ginger jar is made up of three pieces - the base, the inner lid, and the top. The floral design is wrapped around the piece and continues on top. The colors are classic Kutani - rust red and gold design as the base. It measures a bit less than 6 1/2" tall, at its widest point it measures 4 3/4" across, and the base is 2 3/4" across. In terms of condition: Found at at estate in a small corner of Colorado, this antique item has been well cared for over time. The colors are bright and intact, with very minimal markings. The inner lid has been cracked and repaired carefully at some point. There is a scratch on the side of the lid. There is fine crazing throughout, typical of this style of ceramic ware and its antique age. Please see all pictures for condition and details of this piece. Enjoy!

Price: 75 USD

Location: Newark, Delaware

End Time: 2024-12-31T17:33:17.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD