Early Kaga Kutani Tzo (Kutani Tsukuru) Gilt Japanese Vase, c. 1868 | Rare, Ao-chibu Style Kamakura Shogunate Pictoral Landscape Made in the Kutani (Nine Valleys) Province of Kaga, this unique gilt vase depicts a scene from Japan's Kamakura Period. The Kamakura period (Kamakura jidai, 1185?1333) is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 AD in Kamakura, by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. The period is known for the emergence of the samurai, the warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan. This unique 11.5" (29 cm) vase depicts two vividly dressed samurai making their way across waters on horseback, one on the shoreline and the other galloping against the river current. The gilt and brilliant coral red, green and black of the traditional samurai dress against the icy blue waters make the design a stand out. Muted forest green Bonsai trees accent the scene. The neck features gilt Karakusa (winding plant pattern) against an Ao-chibu style backdrop and adorned with several patterned nanten (sacred bamboo) leaves on each side of the vase. Japanese komainu (guardian lion dogs, aka foo dogs) keep watch and provide ornamental handles to this lovely vessel. The lip, fillet and foot of this vase are each uniquely decorated in a similar deep burgundy and adorned with gold painted geometric patterned rings. Height: 11.5" (~29 cm) Body Circumference: 20" (~51 cm) Base Diameter: 4.25" (~11 cm) Mouth Diameter: 4.25" (~11 cm) Neck Internal Diameter: ~2" Neck External Circumference: ~8"