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Any ideas on the era of this vase? The piece was purchased in Japan in 1952 and the seller claimed it was "ancient". There are two stamps (not decals) on the bottom that look Japanese, but they are not Japanese characters that we are familiar with. The clay body is reddish-brown with what appears to be an oil slip glaze, greyish-white with some iron hints. The spontaneously constructed body seems raku, but the clay seems to have been fired very hot, and there is a highly detailed, very deep relief with realistic trees framing the foreground, and two monks (?) praying at a temple in the mountains in the background. Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Sanford,

You have a Japanese "grotto vase," in a style that's been the subject of a previous query. You can run "grotto vase" through the forum search utility to bring up the earlier posting. I've included a URL herewith for another vase that is on sale by a web-based source. It looks to me like it may be Sumida Gawa. The seller has dated it to about 1910. I've never owned a piece like this, so have little else to offer regarding the age of yours. If you can take a clear photo of the stamps, perhaps someone can translate the characters.

Good luck,

Bill H.

URL Title :GrottoVase

Thanks Bill !!!!

I have seen these kinds of vases before but couldn't remember the name of them. (and so couldn't find any).
Now I remember... thanks.

regards,

Arjan

Your vase and mine look a lot alike. Please see my post(http://asianart.com/phpforum/index.php?method=detailAll&Id=35739). Have you seen any others like yours or mine, yours is the first I've seen that I would say is the same style as mine. Any additional info on where to find more in the same style, values or just general information would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob......

Hello I was curious as to what if any information you were able to find out about your vase? I have two that look like the same maker as yours and have not been able to find any information or any others that look like yours,I have seen some other grotto pieces but non that look like yours or mine.Thanks alot,also I can't get this forum to load any of my pics but I can email if you would like.Thanks

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