1947 Japanese Vintage Signed Kutani Porcelain Vase Birds Gold Rim

This is an authentic Japanese vintage porcelain vase dating to the 1947 Signed, beautifully decorated in a traditional style associated with Kutani or Imari ware. The vase is presented in its original tomobako (signed paulownia wooden box), accompanied by original documentation, confirming its authenticity and craftsmanship.

The vase features a refined white porcelain body adorned with hand-painted underglaze blue designs, complemented by overglaze red enamel and gold accents. The dynamic decoration includes flying birds (cranes or phoenixes), auspicious red clouds, and stylized wave motifs near the foot—symbols of longevity, harmony, and good fortune in Japanese art.

The base bears a hand-painted red signature mark, reading “Kutani” (九谷), applied before final firing. Such marks are essential identifiers in traditional Japanese ceramics and greatly enhance the collectible value of the piece.

This elegant vase is both a refined display object and a serious collector’s item, sourced directly from a Japanese Government Antique Auction.

Document Translation
Ceramic History
1947
Graduated from Iga Ceramic School in Mie Prefecture.
1951
Fascinated by the ancient beauty of Kutani ware from Ko-Kutani and Yoshidaya styles, he resolved to move alone to Terai Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, and studied under Issei Mori, a member of the Shinsho Craft Association. For ten years thereafter, he devoted himself to the study of Kutani ware.
1953
First selected for the Ishikawa Prefectural Modern Art Exhibition; selected for and received awards at various exhibitions including the Shinsho Craft Exhibition hosted by Kenkichi Tomimoto.
1957
Held a solo exhibition at the Tsu Museum in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. Recommended as an invited exhibitor to the Mie Prefectural Art Exhibition from his home prefecture.
1961
Certified as an art writer under the enforcement regulations of the commodity tax law.
1962
After leaving Mr. Issei Mori's tutelage, he settled in Terai Town and became a member of the Ceramic Art Association.
1964
From around this year, he held "Emerging Artists Ceramic Exhibitions" annually with a group of young artists at Tokyo Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, etc.
1968
Appointed as a lecturer for the Kutani Ware Industry Classroom by Ishikawa Prefecture.
1971
Selected for the Issuikai Exhibition; appointed as a lecturer for the Kutani Ware Successor Training Classroom by Ishikawa Prefecture.
1972
Selected for the Issuikai Exhibition.
1973
Became a member of the Ishikawa Craft Association.
1974
Selected for the Issuikai Exhibition.
Selected for the Issuikai Exhibition.
Established Kutani Kumagama in Minamiasai Town, Komatsu City, with a group as the Kutani Design Development Cooperative Association.
1975
Exhibited at the Spanish Art and Craft Exhibition.
1976
Selected for the Issuikai Exhibition.
Exhibited at the Belgian Art and Craft Exhibition.
1977
Received the Grand Prize in the Ishikawa Prefectural Ceramic Ware Overglaze Skill Test.
Passed the skill test and was certified as a Class 1 Ceramic Technician by the Minister of Labour.
Received the Encouragement Award at the Issuikai Exhibition.
1978
Received a license as a "Ceramic Ware" vocational training instructor pursuant to the provisions of Article 28, Paragraph 3 of the Vocational Training Law.
Received the Highest Award at the Issuikai Exhibition.
1979
Received the Encouragement Award at the Issuikai Exhibition.
Shigeo Fujiwara, Kutani
Terai, Terai Town, Ishikawa Prefecture.

✅ Product Highlights
✅ Authentic Japanese vintage porcelain vase
✅ 1947 Signed Showa period craftsmanship
✅ Imari-style hand-painted decoration
✅ Underglaze blue with overglaze red and gold accents
✅ Flying bird motifs symbolizing longevity and good fortune
✅ Elegant flared mouth with gold-trimmed rim
✅ Hand-painted red Kutani mark on base
✅ Original tomobako signed wooden storage box
✅ Includes original paper documentation
✅ From official Japanese Government Auction

🏯 About Kutani Ware
Kutani ware (九谷焼) originated in Ishikawa Prefecture and is renowned for its bold colors, intricate designs, and skilled brushwork. Signed examples with tomobako and documentation are especially prized by collectors and are often passed down as family heirlooms.

📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.

📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.