Exclusive Antique Japanese Imari Bottle Vase – Hand-Painted Porcelain with Gold Accents and Authentic 'Fuku' Mark (19th Century)

Imagine: a warm evening in 1880s Japan, deep in the Meiji era. Behind the delicate paper sliding doors of a teahouse, a flickering candle casts soft shadows on the wooden beams. On a low, glossy lacquered table sits this exact porcelain masterpiece. The warm candlelight dances across the deep cobalt blue and reflects in the hand-applied gold lines, which shimmer as if they were liquid. The vase embodies the mystique of a culture that was just opening its gates to the Western world at that time.

This object is a beautiful example of Imari porcelain. This type of porcelain originated in the Japanese region of Arita, but owes its globally renowned name to the port city of Imari, from where valuable ceramics were shipped to Europe by the VOC from the 17th century onwards. Initially, the European aristocracy was so obsessed with this 'white gold' that entire porcelain rooms were furnished with it to show off wealth and status.

This particular vase dates from the flourishing 19th-century period (Meiji era), a time when Japanese craftsmanship reached an absolute peak. The decoration on the wall shows a lavish, traditional composition of blooming chrysanthemums, peonies, and stylized leaves. The gold accents were fired in a separate, third kiln firing at a lower temperature at the time to give the vase its royal luster.

What makes this vase extra special for collectors is located on the underside. Within two tight, blue concentric circles is the hand-painted blue character Fuku (福). This is a traditional Eastern good luck symbol that means "Good Fortune and Prosperity". The master porcelain painter added this poetic symbol at the time especially to wish the future owner a blessed life.

How can I tell the difference between genuine antique Imari and modern reproductions?
Genuine antique Imari porcelain from the 19th century or earlier can be identified by the imperfections of historical craftsmanship. If you look closely at the base or the glaze, you can discover tiny black specks (firing specks), and the unglazed foot ring feels slightly grainy due to firing in wood-fired kilns. Furthermore, the iron-red and gold details are noticeably raised above the glaze. Modern reproductions are often perfectly even and machine-smooth. This piece with the hand-painted Fuku-mark bears all the characteristics of authentic top craftsmanship.

Can I use this vase for fresh flowers and water?
Although the porcelain is still watertight after hundreds of years, we advise against filling the inside with hard water for extended periods for conservation reasons. This unique object is best showcased as a solitary centerpiece in a display cabinet, on a mantelpiece, or styled with a subtle, dry branch.

How do you ship such a fragile piece of antique porcelain?
At Antiehuys.nl, we have experience in shipping fragile ceramics and glassware worldwide. The vase is carefully packed in shock-absorbing material. Of course, we ship this object with a Track & Trace code.