Large Japanese Sumida Gawa Vase, Signed Inoue

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DESCRIPTION:  A large and quite fantastic Sumida Gawa vase with ribbed body, four large figures in high relief, and wide flared mouth.  A thick, traditional flambe' glaze in dark brown and white covers the mouth and neck, and flows down the shoulders.  Fine attention to detail has been paid to the four large handmade figures, all characters from Japanese lore, standing on ledges against the ribbed body.  Inoue (Ryosai) maker's mark in oval-shaped appliqué toward the base, representing a family of three generations of potters who made Sumida wares at the family kiln in Yokohama.  Early 20th C. and in perfect condition; no chips or repairs.  See final photo for size comparison with some of our other Sumida listings.  DIMENSIONS:   12 1/2" high (31.7 cm) x 6" diameter (15.3 cm).  

<P>ABOUT SUMIDA EARTHENWARE POTTERY: This charming and highly collectable studio pottery originates from the Sumida River area in Japan (near Tokyo).  Produced primarily for export from the late 19th Century through the early 20th Century, this form of pottery is valued for the uniqueness of its handmade relief figures that include people and animals engaged in various activities, often humorous or depicting scenes from folklore.  The tops are usually covered with a thick glaze in earth tones while the bodies of the pieces have an applied “cold paint” (usually red or black).  
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