A MOLDED AND CARVED HIRADO BLUE AND WHITE VASE WITH CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND BUTTERFLIES Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of square section, the petal-lobed ovoid sides finely applied with leafy chrysanthemum sprays and small butterflies, the leaves and butterflies decorated in cobalt blue and covered in a transparent glaze like the vase itself, the chrysanthemum blossoms in unglazed biscuit. HEIGHT 16.5 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear, the biscuit chrysanthemum blossoms with small losses. Provenance: US private collection. Hirado ware is a type of Japanese porcelain mostly made at kilns at Mikawachi, Sasebo, Nagasaki, and it is therefore also known as Mikawachi ware. It was made in the former feudal Hirado Domain, which owned the kilns, and was responsible for establishing and directing their production. It is known mainly for its underglaze cobalt blue and white porcelain, with the amount of blue often low, showing off the detailed modeling and the very fine white color of the porcelain. Hirado ware was developed to supply the domestic Japanese market in the 18th century, in the gap between the two main periods of Japanese export porcelain, and produced much of the best Japanese porcelain of the late 18th century and early 19th century. When large-scale exports resumed, it had a good share in the trade.