A Fine pair of Japanese porcelain vases By Fukagawa Koransha, Meiji Period

A fine pair of Japanese porcelain vases

By Fukagawa Koransha, Meiji Period.

Of elegant bottle form, each vase rising from a narrow foot to a generously rounded shoulder and tall neck, the porcelain body decorated in subtle grisaille tones with a powerful dragon coiled mid-air, its scaled body rendered in minute detail with black and grey enamels, accentuated by fiery orange scrolls of flame. The atmospheric background is masterfully painted in swirling, smoke-like washes, flecked throughout with makie-style gold dusting — a technique inspired by lacquer art, requiring exceptional control of both pigment and firing, and rarely seen on porcelain of this scale.

The necks are highlighted with formal gilt lappet collars enclosing the Imperial chrysanthemum mon, finely enamelled in red and gold. The reserved palette and restrained composition lend the work a sense of movement and understated power, entirely removed from the more commercialised energy of typical export wares.

The bases bear orchid marks in red and blue respectively — the emblem of Fukagawa Koransha, established in the 1870s and admired for its synthesis of classical Japanese aesthetics with Western refinement. These vases likely represent a domestic commission or presentation work, rather than export stock.

Condition: Excellent condition. No restoration.