Miniature Japanese Moriage Handled Vase
Decorative Arts

Miniature Japanese Moriage Handled Vase

This is a small, ornate, handled vase, likely ceramic or porcelain, characterized by a lustrous, iridescent teal or turquoise glaze. The vase is miniature in scale, comfortably held within the palm of a hand, suggesting it is a decorative accessory rather than a functional vessel for large floral arrangements. Its form features a flared mouth and foot, with a bulbous body that tapers slightly towards the bottom. Two delicate handles, possibly gilded, gracefully extend from the rim to the upper body, adding to its elegant aesthetic. The surface is adorned with raised, textured decoration, predominantly in a light green or pale yellow hue, depicting what appears to be floral or foliate motifs, possibly with touches of orange or peach, creating visual depth and contrast against the shiny blue background. The textured design suggests a moriage technique, where slip is applied thickly to create a raised, tactile surface. Given the 'Made in Japan' context, this piece could be an example of Satsuma ware or a similar Japanese ceramic tradition from the late 19th to early 20th century, which often incorporated detailed, hand-painted and textured elements with rich glazes. The overall condition appears to be relatively good, with no obvious chips or cracks visible from the provided image, though the full extent of wear, particularly to the gilded handles or the raised decoration, cannot be fully assessed. The craftsmanship suggests a hand-finished item, valued for its intricate detailing and decorative appeal.

Estimated Value

$30-50

Basic Information

Category

Decorative Arts

Appraised On

August 28, 2025

Estimated Value

$30-50

Additional Details Provided By Owner

User Provided Information

Made in Japan

Item Description

This is a small, ornate, handled vase, likely ceramic or porcelain, characterized by a lustrous, iridescent teal or turquoise glaze. The vase is miniature in scale, comfortably held within the palm of a hand, suggesting it is a decorative accessory rather than a functional vessel for large floral arrangements. Its form features a flared mouth and foot, with a bulbous body that tapers slightly towards the bottom. Two delicate handles, possibly gilded, gracefully extend from the rim to the upper body, adding to its elegant aesthetic. The surface is adorned with raised, textured decoration, predominantly in a light green or pale yellow hue, depicting what appears to be floral or foliate motifs, possibly with touches of orange or peach, creating visual depth and contrast against the shiny blue background. The textured design suggests a moriage technique, where slip is applied thickly to create a raised, tactile surface. Given the 'Made in Japan' context, this piece could be an example of Satsuma ware or a similar Japanese ceramic tradition from the late 19th to early 20th century, which often incorporated detailed, hand-painted and textured elements with rich glazes. The overall condition appears to be relatively good, with no obvious chips or cracks visible from the provided image, though the full extent of wear, particularly to the gilded handles or the raised decoration, cannot be fully assessed. The craftsmanship suggests a hand-finished item, valued for its intricate detailing and decorative appeal.

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