A Japanese Kutani porcelain figural vase in an elegant tapering baluster silhouette, fully covered in a classic aka-e iron-red ground enriched with extensive hand-painted gold decoration. The front displays a shaped rectangular panel of figures and a scholar’s gathering scene set within a patterned field of gilt foliate scrolls and floral tendrils. Above the main panel sits a secondary framed reserve depicting a phoenix rendered with raised inlay accents. The reverse is ornamented with a large panel of shishi shown in dynamic repousse-style relief with cloud and scrolling peony sprays, seamlessly integrated into the surrounding gilt chrysanthemum and lattice-reserve ground design that wraps the vessel. Two prominent moulded beast-mask handles anchor the neck, and the base carries an iron-red double-framed mark. {Approximate dimensions - height: 11 3/8 inches}.

The surface reveals areas of gentle wear to the gilt, minor rubbing, and natural firing imperfections, consistent with age and handling. Ask the Asian Art Department for more information.