Featured Beautiful Birds and Flowers Pitcher

Hello friends:

Thanks in advance for whatever help anyone will offer in identifying my piece. My guess is Chinese 1900s . . .

 

it is rather nice !!!

 

I'm thinking maybe Japanese and yes, around the turn of the 20th c.

 

A member emailed me privately that the pitcher is not Chinese, but Japanese, and that the mark is Shimamura Sei 島村 製 ("Made by Shimamura").

With that tip, I discovered that Shingo Shimamura had a Kyoto shop that mass produced export ware. It was one of many in the country that employed young, talented artists to produce Japanese moriage Nippon ware, Kutani, Imari, Satsuma and Satsuma- style decorated porcelain.

Shimamura opened a store selling Japanese imports in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1888. With the amount of artists in Japan employed, there's no telling who painted/decorated the pitcher. But maybe an expert could pinpoint someone from the quality and execution of the painting, or at least confirm if it was done by a master painter. Whoever did it, I just love those birds!

I feel comfortable labeling the pitcher a Meji (1868-1912) piece. Not sure about which of the previously-mentioned styles best describes it. Hopefully, someone will chime in on that, starting with confirming or rejecting if the green detailing around the handle and top is moriage.

Thanks to those who have commented so far and who may add to the thread.

 

It is a lovely piece!