Vase in a baluster form ornamented in relief with three stylized geese against a green ground. Of porcelain sculpted in moriage relief and with applied colored enamel glazes. Signed on the reverse in under-glaze blue by the artist: Shofu (Kajo Shofu, 1870 – 1928). With the original, carved rosewood stand. Late Meiji era, circa 1910 – 1912.

With the original, period storage box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Jiki Gunga Moyo Kabin or Porcelain Vase (with a) Design of a Group of Geese; and on the reverse of the lid: Meiji Yon-ju-go-nen, Ichi-gatsu Gantan, Hairyo, Jiju Tsukehiro or Meiji (era) 45th Year (1912), January 1st, Given by the Emperor (to) The Grand Chamberlain of Japan Tsukehiro (Hinonishi Tsukehiro, born 1870).

Hinonishi Tsukehiro had the rank of Court Advisor (komonkan) and Viscount (shishaku). He was the heir of Hinonishi Mitsuyoshi. The Hinonishi were kuge or Kyoto aristocracy descended from Hino Kanemitsu (1145 – 1196).

Born in Seto as the eldest son of Inoue Enshichi, Kajo Shofu moved to Kyoto when his father Enshichi was invited to join the Kyoto Ceramics Company (Kyoto Toki Gaisha). In 1890, he was adopted into the Shofu family. Three years later, he was designated the 3rd generation artist in the Shofu lineage. He was instrumental in the development of porcelain with moriage relief (tsumori).

For a similar vase with pink color palette by Kajo Shofu, c.f. The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Japanese Art: Meiji No Takara: Treasures of Imperial Japan, Ceramics: Part 1, number 104.

Shofu achieves an elegant and dramatic perfection in this porcelain with geese. The walls rise in subtle curves that frame the three birds against the brilliant green ground. The moriage relief prominently details their heads and necks as they stare out at us humorously or preen without a care. Delicate bokashi shading softens their bodies as the relief disappears into the flat surface and the surrounding green lawn.