Brilliant porcelain across the Pacific Ocean – Old Noritake: Beauty Bridging East & West

[Inscription] M-NIPPON Mark

[Year of Manufacture] 1911-1921

Morimura-gumi’s design book contained many designs that could be considered original art, and a vast assortment of vases and jars of different shapes and sizes were all made using these designs. Although roses generally tend to be associated with western designs, roses native to China were already seen drawn in Japan’s Kasuga-Gongen picture scroll in the 14th century. Therefore, the rose has never been unfamiliar to the Japanese people. However, large roses such as the ones painted on this piece are unique to the countries of the west, and the contrast between the green of the body, the white of the roses, and the gold glazing is both eye-catching and beautiful.