Wonderful Japanese Vase

[Kaaren B.]

Hello, all. Hoping to get information on possible age and maker of this wonderful vase full of warrior scenes and details.

Two panels are designs only, two other panels are warrior scenes. There is wonderful detail on these, and off to one side it looks as if there are either female or very young fighters.

Inside bottom are odd bumps.

Remains of red marks on outer bottom very small so no information there. Bottom too bright I'm afraid but it does not matter as the two red marks left are minute.

I got it at a fundraiser to benefit care for stray cats: $30.

Any information much appreciated! Kaaren

[peterp]

The single warrior visible looks more Chinese in these pictures, although the overall painting style may look Japanese.  Maybe you could upload more vase window decorations?

We don't face only the possibility of Japanese wares copying Chinese content, the reverse is also possible.

[Kaaren B.]

Thanks Peter. I took two more photos but am using my phone as I'm not at home. Ine shows the other side of the warrior/samurai panel with the younger looking ones without facial hair. I interestingly, the primary one appears to have a muted image of a man with his hands folded right in the middle of his/her body.

Could that be an artist's signature?!

The detailing on the horses, their expressions of emotion as their heads turn to their riders, Ithink are wonderful. On a curved surface, the perspective is really canny.

I'm not sure I can upload these from my phone but I will try, otherwise wait till I get home.

Kaaren

[Kaaren B.]

Here are two more, closer in photos - calling it Asian vase now. Kaaren

[peterp]

As I thought, the warriors are not Japanese, depicted are typical Chinese features, including Chinese weapons, armour,  etc. If it wasn't for the gilt used, and the red in the decoration along the base, I would think it would be 20th century Chinese. The painting style of the rest of the decoration is also more typical for Chinese.
Cannot tell what it is. Either a Japanese item depicting Chinese subjects and style, or a 20th century Chinese item made (possibly) for the Japanese market.

[Kaaren B.]

Thanks again for taking another look, Peter.

Very interesting the blend of Japanese and Chinese - I've seen that same red and green border at the bottom and top on other Japanese stuff.

But what most intrigues me is that image of man on the grey midsection of the younger warrior, with his arms folded as if he were just watching the battle.

I suppose we will never know, but that seemed so . . . out of the vitality of the rest of the scene. That's why I wondered if it were the artist slily putting himself in.

It's too bad there are no identifying marks.

Thanks again for the response! Kaaren

[peterp]

That is an...enigma. Looks like a decoration on the attire or armour, except that is too lifelike.

[Kaaren B.]

Thanks again!

K.