Japanese Meiji Era Sumida Gawa Pottery Bulbous Ceramic Vase Figure LS#086

Antique Japanese Sumida Gawa Bulbous Vase with Single Figure, Signed Fuji (c. 1890–1920)

A boldly modeled Sumida Gawa vase with a sculptural red-glazed base and tall, flaring neck in deep blue with white splash glaze. The front is adorned with a single boy figure in a white robe with blue detailing, captured in mid-motion with lively expression and texture.

Sumida Gawa pottery — named for the Sumida River district in Tokyo — is celebrated for its dramatic color contrasts, applied figural work, and appeal to export markets during the late Meiji and Taisho eras. This piece bears an applied porcelain plaque marked with the characters 富士 (Fuji), a mark found on certain Sumida Gawa works and thought to represent an individual artist or workshop distinct from the better-known Inoue Ryosai.

Dimensions: H 8in, Diameter 5in