Antique Morimura Nippon Art Nouveau Floral Porcelain Vase With Raised Gilt Beading, Circa 1915

Details

Description

An intricately decorated antique Japanese porcelain vase attributed to Morimura Brothers, associated with early Noritake, circa 1911–1921. Sweeping gilt handles … Read more An intricately decorated antique Japanese porcelain vase attributed to Morimura Brothers, associated with early Noritake, circa 1911–1921. Sweeping gilt handles frame a scalloped mouth above an elongated body, bringing a sculptural elegance to its richly layered floral and geometric decoration.

The vase is made of glazed porcelain with hand-painted polychrome decoration and extensive gilding. Stylized yellow blossoms with russet accents unfold among pale aqua and green foliage against a softly shaded lavender-gray ground. Warm brown and ivory checkerboard panels descend from the shoulders, while long ornamental bands incorporate gold dots, fine linear detailing, and branching botanical forms. Black-and-ivory borders around the shoulders and neck give the composition a striking graphic contrast.

Particularly appealing is the fine raised gilt beading outlining the decorative panels and accenting the neck, rim, and handle bases. These small dimensional details catch the light, enriching the surface beyond the painted design. The combination of flowing handles, stylized flowers, and structured geometric ornament gives the vase its distinctive Art Nouveau character. Floral arrangements continue around the body, making it attractive from multiple viewing angles.

The underside bears the green “Hand Painted Nippon” M-in-wreath backstamp, with the “M” identifying Morimura. The Nippon Collectors Club dates this mark’s period use to approximately 1911–1921. “Nippon” is the Japanese name for Japan, used here as a country-of-origin designation; the Morimura emblem provides the more specific connection to the enterprise behind early Noritake.

Morimura Brothers’ history began in 1876 with trading businesses in Japan and New York. The establishment of Nippon Toki in 1904 and its factory in the Nagoya area laid the foundation for Noritake’s porcelain production. This vase belongs to that early export tradition, in which Japanese craftsmanship was adapted to the decorative tastes of Western buyers.

A compelling piece for collectors of Nippon and early Noritake porcelain, with equally strong appeal as a decorative object. Its soft botanical palette, contrasting black accents, and architectural handles bring depth to an English country library, traditional mantel, or collected cabinet, particularly alongside dark woods, antique brass, and leather-bound books.

Provenance
Previously cataloged as a “Nippon Hand Painted Porcelain Vase Gold Handles.” The photographed backstamp supports the Morimura Brothers attribution. Earlier ownership and collection history have not been established.

Item Details:

Maker attribution: Morimura Brothers / early Noritake, based on the green M-in-wreath backstamp
Country of origin: Japan
Material: Glazed porcelain
Techniques: Hand-painted polychrome decoration, gilding, and raised gilt beading See less