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Subject:Please help identify vase
Posted By: Keni Sat, Mar 22, 2014 IP: 81.99.27.49

Hello, could someone please help me with the maker's signature on this kyoto-ware/kyo-satsuma vase? It is about 45cm tall with rather interesting mouldings around the top and bottom rim as can be seen on the photos.

I have tried very hard (Google and kanji dictionary) but couldn't find anything on the 4th kanji. All I can read are: dai nippon XXX bundo zo. It also has an impressed mark on the bottom rim (XXX bundo)

So is this a Chinese recent copy?

Many thanks for your help.







Subject:Re: Please help identify vase
Posted By: Bill H Wed, Mar 26, 2014

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.


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