Kutani ware compact with hand-painted peacock and chrysanthemum design, Showa era Japanese porcelain

This Kutani ware compact, adorned with a hand-painted peacock flaunting its tail among chrysanthemums, transforms utilitarian form into decorative art. The delicate overglaze enamels, typical of Kutani tradition, capture vibrant hues and intricate detail—qualities that bridged the divide between everyday use and aesthetic expression in mid-Shōwa Japan.

Details

  • Era: Showa era, circa 1960s–1970s
  • Maker / Brand: Kutani ware (九谷焼)
  • Technique / Materials: Porcelain compact hand-painted with overglaze enamels; metal frame
  • Motif / Design Accent: Peacock feathers and chrysanthemums

Curated by Kayo Setsuda

Je et Nous Annex — Nara, Japan.

A cultural archive of Showa-era Japanese crafts and beauty.