A delightful and genuinely antique piece of Japanese export porcelain, this charming figural vase depicts a courting couple in Rococo-inspired European dress.
A lady in a sweeping white gown with pink shawl and green hat and her gentleman companion in a white coat with vivid cobalt blue cuffs and yellow hat are holding what appears to be a small book or letter. They stand as the front decoration of a functional vase form. The vessel body behind them is white porcelain decorated with hand-painted pink and orange flowers and delicate gold scrollwork throughout.
The back reveals a large rectangular open well, making this a figural flower vase or posy holder. A wonderfully functional antique object, as beautiful filled with a few fresh or dried stems as it is displayed empty. The modeling is charming in that endearing way characteristic of Japanese export porcelain from this era — slightly naive, brightly colored, and full of personality.
The backstamp, an "H" inside a cherry blossom with "Hand Painted Japan", is the mark of Hotta Yu Shoten & Co., a Japanese pottery active from 1920 to 1947, with this style of mark dating most likely to the 1920s–1930s. This predates the Occupied Japan period and represents the earlier, highly collectable era of Japanese export porcelain.
Details:
Maker: Hotta Yu Shoten & Co., Japan Mark: "Hand Painted Japan" with H in cherry blossom — dates to 1920s–1930s Type: Figural flower vase / posy holder Subject: Courting couple in European Rococo-inspired dress Material: Hand-painted porcelain with gold accents Height: 6" Width: 3.5" Depth: 2" Condition: Excellent antique condition with minor age-appropriate wear; see photos for details.
Use: Wall hanging planter, floral display, or collectible Japanese ceramic art
This is a wonderful piece for collectors of Japanese ceramics, lovers of figural pottery, or anyone seeking a unique statement piece for their home.
