Antique Japanese Porcelain Wall Pocket Vase | Hotta Yu Shoten | 1920s–1930s

A delightful and genuinely antique piece of Japanese export porcelain, this charming figural vase depicts a courting couple in Rococo-inspired European dress.  A lady in a sweeping white gown with pink shawl and green hat and her gentleman companion in a white coat with vivid cobalt blue cuffs and yellow hat are holding what appears to be a small book or letter. They stand as the front decoration of a functional vase form. The vessel body behind them is white porcelain decorated with hand-painted pink and orange flowers and delicate gold scrollwork throughout.  The back reveals a large rectangular open well, making this a figural flower vase or posy holder. A wonderfully functional antique object, as beautiful filled with a few fresh or dried stems as it is displayed empty. The modeling is charming in that endearing way characteristic of Japanese export porcelain from this era — slightly naive, brightly colored, and full of personality.  Details:  Maker: Hotta Yu Shoten & Co., Japan Mark: Hand Painted Japan with H in cherry blossom — dates to 1920s–1930s Type: Figural flower vase / posy holder Subject: Courting couple in European Rococo-inspired dress Material: Hand-painted porcelain with gold accents Height: 6 Width: 3.5 Depth: 2 Condition: Excellent antique condition with minor age-appropriate wear; see photos for details.  Use: Wall hanging planter, floral display, or collectible Japanese ceramic art