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I would like to know if anyone can ID this piece or give information about where I can further investigate.

The piece has been in my family for at least 80 years. It was my grandparents (deceased) and now my mom has it.

Her recollection was that someone told her once that it was a temple urn from China?

That is all I know.

There are no visible signature markings on it. We have looked everywhere. Could they be hidden somewhere?

THANKS!!

David

David,

Japanese, made probably 1920s, possibly Kyoto, in Satsuma-ish manner but possibly porcelain instead of earthenware (can't tell from your photos).

It is common for Westerners to assume that large items were "Palace Ware" or made for a major Temple. In reality many large pieces with a combination of 'Japanesque' motifs, multiple-colored enamels and a lot of gold were made for tourists and export. The combination pleased Americans especially who had last surviving Victorian taste and with the end of WWI were looking for something more cheerful.

Possibly others will have a better idea of where it would have been made, but at that time there were many many factories churning out such wares.

Best regards,
Judy

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