Overview
A rare and characterful matched pair of Japanese hand-painted porcelain sake bottles (tokkuri), dating to the Taisho through early Showa period (circa 1912-1945). These vessels are a textbook example of Japanese Art Deco decorative ceramics, blending the rounded classical tokkuri form with bold Western-influenced geometric ornament rendered by a skilled overglaze enamel decorator. Likely originating from the Kutani or Kyo-yaki tradition, they are ideal for collectors of Japanese antiques, Art Deco design, or vintage barware.
Item Details
-
Form: Globular body with slender neck and slightly flared rim, classic Japanese sake bottle (tokkuri) profile.
-
Decoration: Silver-glazed ground (now aged to a warm bronze-grey metallic finish); scattered gold diamond (hishi) motifs of varying sizes across the full body; central design of three interlocking turquoise-emerald green triangles outlined in gilt enamel; continuous gilt band at rim.
-
Style: Taisho Art Deco — geometric motifs influenced by international modernist design movements of the 1920s-1930s.
-
Making Technique: Authentic freehand overglaze enamel painting — slight variation between the two bottles confirms hand-painted, not transfer-printed, decoration.
-
Attributed Origin: Kutani ware or Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ceramics); footrim examination recommended for final attribution.
-
Quantity: Two bottles — a matched pair (2-piece set).
Condition
-
Overall condition: Good to Fair (consistent with genuine age and use).
-
Silver ground: Partial age-related discoloration, dulling, and bronzing — this patina is intrinsic to the piece and not considered damage.
-
Gold enamel: Areas of fading and minor localized loss, most visible toward the lower body of each bottle.
-
Gilt rim band: Light surface wear and minor abrasion.
-
Green enamel: Vivid and largely intact with good color retention.
No repairs or restorations. Sold as found, in honest unaltered condition.
Shipping
Ships from Japan. Each bottle is individually wrapped in archival tissue and cushioned within a double-walled export carton. Fully tracked and insured international shipping available. Please allow 7-14 business days for delivery. Combined shipping is available on multiple purchases — contact us for details.
International Orders
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product price or shipping cost.
If applicable, these charges are determined by your country's customs authority and are the responsibility of the customer.
