A petite and beautiful hand-decorated ceramic baluster vase, painted all around with traditional Japanese motifs, including native flora, birds and bamboo stems on a creamy glazed background. The colour palette is bold and bright, with highlights of green, red and blue, together with plentiful gilt relief detailing, particularly to the neck and rim. The vase dates from the Meiji period (late 19th century). Please note a minor chip on the neck.