Offered from my personal collection is this unusual antique blue-and-white porcelain pitcher or small ewer, believed to be Japanese and most likely dating to the late 19th century / Meiji period.

The piece measures approximately 5½ inches tall × 6 inches from handle to spout × 4 inches across the upper rim and weighs approximately 12 ounces.

This is a particularly attractive and unusual form. The porcelain body is molded with a lobed shape and a dramatically scalloped, flowing rim. The handle is especially distinctive, having been modeled as a naturalistic tree branch or twig, complete with irregular branch-like projections.

The vessel is decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with a continuous rural landscape scene featuring figures, architecture, trees, water and distant scenery. Additional geometric and decorative blue borders extend around the upper body and inside the elaborate rim.

The underside has a recessed glazed base surrounded by an unglazed foot rim. Of particular interest is a small deliberate underglaze-blue symbol or maker/workshop device in the center of the base. I have not been able to conclusively identify or translate this mark.

Based upon the porcelain, molded construction, underglaze-blue landscape decoration, sculptural handle and overall form, my research suggests 19th-century Japanese manufacture, probably Meiji period, circa 1870–1900. Certain characteristics show similarities to Hirado/Mikawachi blue-and-white porcelain, although I have not identified a definitive kiln or maker and therefore do not represent this as a confirmed Hirado attribution.

The piece displays characteristics consistent with age, including fine glaze crazing, firing irregularities, surface wear and discoloration around the unglazed foot, as visible in the photographs. Please review all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and condition assessment.

Collector / Expert Information Welcome:
I enjoy researching unusual Asian antiques and welcome knowledgeable collectors, dealers or specialists who recognize the small blue base mark, landscape pattern, kiln, workshop or exact period to contact me. Additional information or corrections supported by comparable examples are always appreciated.

A beautiful little piece of Japanese ceramic history and an interesting research object in its own right.

Please examine all photographs for design, construction, mark and condition before purchasing.