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Subject:Re: Please help identify this kyo-yaki (kyo-satsuma) vase
Posted By: Keni Fri, Mar 28, 2014
For the benefit of others, Bill H has kindly replied to my original queries with the following comments (Bill, I hope you don't mind me pasting your reply here):
"Your vase appears to be of Japan's Meiji Period.
The red inscription on the side of the vase reads down and across from the right as "Dai Ni Hon, Kanbundo Zo" (大日本, 煥文堂造). This might be translated literally as "Imperial Japan, Made for the Hall of Illustrious Literature".
Google character and transliterated searches indicate that Kanbundo was a Tokyo publishing house active in the early 20th century. The term "Imperial Japan", as used in the mark, was employed in many Japanese ceramic markings during the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
It is a common practice in Japan, China and Korea (perhaps elsewhere in Asia as well) for businesses to give good customers gifts of ceramics, usually inscribed with the firm's name or logo. This may have been the case with your vase.
Best regards,
Bill H. "
Thank you Bill, really appreciate it. Your hypothesis that kanbundo could be a valued customer is an interesting proposition. However, would the potter go to the extend of stamping their customer's name on the foot-rim as well? I have attached a photo to show you. The stamp reads 'kanbundo' as well, in a style very similar to some hanko marks I have seen.
Best,
Keni
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Please help identify this kyo-yaki (kyo-satsuma) vase ( China & Japan ) - Keni - Mar 24, 2014 (10:21 AM) 
- Keni - Mar 28, 2014 (04:10 AM) 