A fine Meiji or Taisho period Eiraku kiln aubergine glazed porcelain vase. Rubbed gilt enamel highlights over archaistic relief decoration in manner of the Eastern Zhou dynasty or Western Han dynasty. The vase, with base reminiscent of the Hu form but with elongated neck, harmoniously combines modern and ancient design sense. The blank apparently two symmetrical halves, joined (see closeup images revealing raised glaze where a seam might be). Eiraku seal mark on the foot. Good condition. Height, 9 7/8 inches.

The venerable Eiraku line of potters doesn’t commonly come to mind when one thinks of Japanese studio ceramics, but one can readily see creative Edo and early Meiji examples preceding comparable works by the later Meiji era greats. Examples of inspired Eiraku kiln porcelains with gilt enamel, pushing the limits of their time, can be found in museum collections and in auction sale records.

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