Meiji Period Imari Covered Vase with Raised Decoration

Japanese export porcelain vase, c. 1895.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 18” tall.
 
Decoration:
The body is decorated with flowers and birds above a fence in the traditional Imari palette of iron red, gold and blue. Decorative elements such as the flowers, birds, and swags are raised, giving a three-dimensional effect.
 
There is a raised geometric band above the foot.
 
The lid is similarly decorated, and the top of the finial is decorated with a leaf or feather design in brown and gold lacquer. 
 
The base is unglazed and bears the pencil inscription “Potiche Japon Imari”, likely a period French dealer’s description, meaning a large Japanese Imari covered vase.
 
Meiji period (1868 – 1912) polychrome Imari pieces were predominantly made for export as were the polychrome Imari pieces of the 18th century (“ko-Imari”). Production of the latter diminished mid-century as the style went out of fashion in Europe.
 
Due to the interest in Japanese ceramics spurred by international exhibitions in the 1860’s and 1870’s, polychrome Imari ceramics again became fashionable in Europe as well as the United States and remained so throughout the 19th century. 
 
Meiji period examples can use a broader range of colors, reflecting the development of new enamels, as well as modified or new shapes that appealed to Western tastes of the time. While not referred to as such, I consider these ceramics to be “Imari revival”. 
 
This vase is Meiji-period reinterpretation of early Imari decoration and was produced to meet late Victorian Western tastes.
 
References:
Jahn, “Meiji Ceramics”.
 
Condition: In excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.
 
PLEASE NOTE: This is a large and heavy item to ship.