Asian hand decorated porcelain vase

Hello everyone, we are wondering about this vase. We would like to know the country of origin and the meaning/purpose of the figures' outfits. Any other information would be great. Thanks so much!

 

Looks like Asian interpretations of early Portuguese/Dutch explorers...............

 

I wonder what the images are trying to convey in that social or business or political setting.

The one thing that stands out to me is that the shorter figure has removed (is carrying) his "hat."

Hmmm, appearing "hat in hand" (a sign of humility) before another man may be what the graphics are trying to convey, but that is just a wild-eyed guess.

 

I doubt there's a lot to be read into the images. Europeans found the Japanese appearance bizarre and vice versa.

I think your figures come from this source, a Japanese namban (southern barbarians) screen, 17thC:
https://www.granger.com/results.asp?inline=true&image=0103258&wwwflag=4&itemx=4

detail:
https://www.granger.com/results.asp?inline=true&image=0070973&wwwflag=4&itemx=7

This article, shows the full screen (haven't followed the links):
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/portuguese-japan-nanban-art-trade-francisco-filipe-cruz

The screen dates between 1559 - 1635 and is attributed to Kano Sanraku. It may be in the Kobe City Museum or the Suntory Museum of Art Important Cultural Property, Tokyo

This link has thumbnails, but they won't enlarge for me:
http://www.brouage.com/e-doc3.php?a... et civilisations/- art japonais/kano sanraku

Your vase might be a souvenir from one of those museums.

 

Thank you everyone!