Antique Imoto Shoten Nippon Hand-Painted Floral Porcelain Lidded Jar / Humidor Circa 1910s–1921

Measurements: 6.25"T x 7"W x 5.25"D

Markings: Hand Painted - Maker Mark - Nippon - Made in Japan

Weight: 1.81 lbs.

Beautiful antique Japanese Nippon-era hand-painted porcelain lidded jar, most likely dating to the 1910s through 1921, and attributed by its blue circular backstamp to Imoto Shoten.

This is a wonderfully decorative and highly versatile piece with a form often described as a humidor or tobacco jar, though similar examples are also referred to as biscuit jars, covered containers, or decorative lidded jars. Whatever its original intended use, today it makes a charming and elegant accent piece for display or practical use.

The exterior is absolutely lovely, featuring a hand-painted design of florals, grapes, leaves, and scrolling vines rendered in soft shades of pink, lavender, green, black, and gold. The decoration stands out beautifully against the luminous white porcelain body, and the surface has a bright, glossy, slightly iridescent finish that gives the piece wonderful visual presence.

The gold-tone side handles and lid finial add a refined finishing touch, while the crisp black detailing gives the decoration a wonderfully graphic, almost Art Nouveau feel.

According to the Old Noritake Collectors Guide and Nippon backstamp references, this mark is attributed to Imoto Shoten, a Japanese ceramics exporter founded by Tamesaburo Imoto in Nagoya in the late 19th century. Pieces bearing this mark are associated with the Nippon export period, generally dating prior to 1921.

This example has been beautifully preserved. The enamel decoration remains crisp, bright, and intact, and the porcelain is free of chips, cracks, crazing, or repairs. There is only very minor wear to the gold on the tip of the lid finial, along with a couple of small spots to the interior consistent with age and use. Overall, it presents extremely well and is remarkable for a piece that is approximately a century old.

A beautiful and unusual antique that works equally well as a decorative tobacco jar, biscuit jar, vanity container, tea canister, catchall, or simply a striking display object.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. No chips, cracks, crazing, or repairs. Decoration remains crisp and vivid. Minor wear to the gilding at the tip of the lid finial and a few small spots to the interior consistent with age and prior use.