Imari important porcelain baluster vase, Japan, Meiji period, Hichozan workshop

Beautiful signed Imari porcelain baluster vase, Japan, Meiji period, Hichozan workshop

H 64 cm

Decorated with cartouches depicting genre scenes, butterflies and rocaille flowers

The Meiji Period (1868–1912) marked a revolutionary era in Japan, transitioning from feudal rule to a modernized empire. This era saw a blend of traditional craftsmanship with Western influences, leading to innovations in ceramics, metalwork, cloisonné enamel, and lacquerware.

Key Artistic Developments in the Meiji Period:
Satsuma Ware (薩摩焼) – Finely detailed, hand-painted porcelain, often with gold accents, featuring landscapes, samurai, and mythological scenes.
Cloisonné Enamel (七宝, Shippo-yaki) – Known for its vivid colors and intricate wirework, Meiji cloisonné reached unparalleled quality, with masters like Namikawa Yasuyuki and Namikawa Sōsuke.
Bronze & Metalwork – Highly detailed samurai figures, animals, and decorative vases were exported worldwide, with artists such as Miyao Eisuke excelling in gilt bronze sculptures.
Lacquerware (漆芸, Shikki) – Luxurious lacquered boxes, trays, and furniture were embellished with gold and silver inlays (maki-e).
Woodblock Prints (浮世絵, Ukiyo-e) – While Ukiyo-e declined in popularity, artists like Tsukioka Yoshitoshi modernized the genre with more dramatic storytelling.