Water Blossom

Name: Water Blossom
 
Type: Miniature Porcelain Vase
 
Year: Likely mid-20th century (circa 1950s–1970s)
 
Set: No
 
Mark: None - Unmarked – Japanese or Chinese export porcelain, possibly Kutani or later Jingdezhen-style influenced ware, based on stylistic features
 
History: This miniature porcelain vase features a bulbous body tapering to a narrow neck and a slightly flared rim. It is decorated in a classic cherry blossom motif, a design symbolic of spring and renewal in East Asian cultures. The blossoms are executed with expressive brushwork in a coral pink, with indigo outlines and pale green foliage at the base. The cobalt blue accent rings at the rim and foot further suggest Chinese or Japanese influence, particularly in the decorative style seen in post-war export ceramics.
 
 
The vase lacks any visible marks, and the unglazed, slightly rough foot ring supports mid-century export production, where paper or foil labels were more commonly used than stamped marks. Its small size suggests it was intended as a decorative bud vase, or part of a set for gift or souvenir purposes.
 
 
There are no significant signs of wear or crazing beyond normal aging, and the glaze is bright with a slight unevenness around the hand-painted areas, indicating it was likely not mass-produced in a modern mechanized process.
 
 
This charming piece offers collectors a cheerful example of mid-century Asian decorative porcelain, valued for its hand-painted charm and traditional motif.
 
Flaws: None