Kutani Peacock & Peony Water Well or Ashtray From the Meiji Period

Square seal script (Kaku) mark showing Kutani porcelain, symbolizing beauty, royalty, and prosperity. Characters: 九 (Kutani) meaning "nine" and 谷 (Tani) meaning "valley". Elegant Kutani ware porcelain water well (or ashtray) decorated in the classic aka-e red enamel and gold gilt style associated with traditional Kutani ceramics. The piece features a beautifully detailed peacock and peony motif, symbols of beauty, prosperity, and nobility in Japanese decorative arts. The design showcases intricate iron-red enamel painting with rich gold highlights (kinhara) over white porcelain, with stylized peonies and flowing peacock feathers set against softly shaded gold panels. The raised center with three rests suggests use as a water well for brush washing in calligraphy or painting, though similar forms were also later used as decorative ashtrays. Kutani Ware Porcelain Kutani Akae Porcelain Kutani Peacock Porcelain Other items in this pattern available - see store Aka-e (Red Painting) Style, Gold Highlights (Kinhara) Red Peacock and Peonies Made in Japan 1868–1912 Hand Wash Condition: Pre-Owned Good Note: Lifestyle photo AI-generated for display inspiration only. See other images showing actual item --Color may vary based on monitor resolutions --All dimensions/measurements approximate --Photo props not included unless stated