Japanese-Style Ovoid Vase with Cranes and Pines
Decorative art; porcelain vase • Unidentified manufacturer; likely Japanese Export or Western decorative ware in the Chinoiserie/Japonisme style
Style & Movement
Showa-era Export / Mid-Century Art Deco influence
Medium & Technique
Porcelain with yellow and orange glazed ground; underglaze and overglaze enamel hand-painting and transfer printing
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930s-1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-10 inches in height; ovoid shape with flared rim and pedestal base
Subject Description
A crane (tsuru) depicted in flight against an orange sunset and yellow sky, accompanied by pine foliage (matsu). The scene incorporates traditional symbolism for longevity and good fortune.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing minor surface abrasions and potential production imperfections in the glaze
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $120 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $70 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; typical of mass-produced export decorative wares found in the European and North American secondhand markets
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mid-century global interest in East Asian motifs, simplified for the Western decorative market; it demonstrates the transition from traditional craft to industrial decorative production.
Notable Features
Bold saturated yellow-to-orange gradient; stylized black silhouetted trees on the neck; traditional Japanese composition rendered in a mid-century graphic style
Condition Issues
Minor glaze wear near the base and rim; possible light crazing consistent with age; surface scratches on the yellow enamel
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent enamel fading; clean only with non-abrasive, pH-neutral detergents; do not submerge for long periods