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This just has my curiosity piqued. The piece is small, only about 5 1/2 inches tall, and I'd like to find out what the extensive writing on the bottom says, and also what the thing is. At first I thought a strangely-shaped vase, but the larger part on top looks more like a pour spout. The gold-painted object next to it looks like a seal (I think,) or perhaps a bird, and beneath it is an opening that could be a vent to allow whatever is inside to pour out. I would be grateful for any information on either topic. My thanks in advance to any who can enlighten me.

I believe this is a Japanese tokkuri, or sake decanter, which is designed to whistle or gurgle when liquid is poured out. Water will do if you don't have any sake for the test. Most I've seen have been Kutani mid-20th century or later products.

Since the writing on the base probably needs a Japanese translation, I'll defer to the savants.

Best regards,

Bill H.

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