Indigo Bloom

Name: Indigo Bloom
 
Type: Miniature bud or sake bottle vase
 
Year: 20th century, possibly mid to late
 
Set: No
 
Mark: None - Unmarked, likely East Asian (Chinese or Japanese origin)
 
History: This slender, pear-bodied blue and white porcelain vase features hand-painted underglaze cobalt floral scrollwork in a stylized pattern reminiscent of traditional Chinese qinghua ware, though the precision and coloration also share characteristics with Japanese export wares.
 
 
The foot rim is unglazed with a clean finish, typical of kiln-fired production from the 20th century. The absence of a maker’s mark and the relatively even but freehand-style decoration suggest this was a modestly produced piece, possibly made for decorative export or table service—such as a sake vessel or bud vase.
 
 
The floral elements and narrow flared neck point to decorative rather than utilitarian use, and the cobalt pigment used has the inky bleed often seen in mid-century Japanese ware. However, the styling also borrows heavily from classic Chinese Ming motifs, which were widely imitated throughout East Asia.
 
 
While not particularly rare, its elegance and simplicity make it appealing to collectors of East Asian blue and white porcelain, and it serves well as a standalone decorative accent or part of a miniature grouping.
 
Flaws: None