Occupied Japan Hand-Painted Ceramic Vase with Figural Decoration

This is a small decorative ceramic vase, likely measuring approximately 3-4 inches in height. Its body is bell-shaped, tapering slightly towards the base and flaring gently at the rim. The primary colors of the glaze are a vibrant royal blue at the top and a rich burgundy at the bottom, transitioning to a softer pale green in the middle section. The vase features hand-painted decorations, most notably a portrait of a bearded man with a turban-like head covering, rendered in warm tones of peach, brown, and gold. Below the portrait, there's a detailed, patterned motif in reds, browns, and blacks, possibly depicting fabric or an intricate design. The top rim of the vase is white, suggesting an unglazed or simply white-glazed interior. The craftsmanship appears to be reasonably fine, with visible brushstrokes indicating hand-painting, though some minor imperfections or inconsistencies in the application of the glaze may be present, consistent with mass production. There are no readily visible cracks or chips, but without closer inspection, minor surface wear or crazing cannot be ruled out. Given the 'Made in Occupied Japan' context, this item dates from the period immediately following World War II, specifically 1945 to 1952. Items from this era and origin are characterized by their often elaborate, somewhat kitsch, decorative styles, frequently produced for export.