Hand-Painted Morimura Bros. Nippon Inkwell

This is an elegant, square porcelain inkwell, dating to the Nippon Era (c. 1891–1921) and made for export by Morimura Bros.

Form and Structure:

• Shape: The piece has a distinct, sharply angular, square form, resting on a low, subtly inward-curving square pedestal base. It features a central cylindrical inkwell insert.
• Lid: The matching square lid has a low profile and is beveled.

Dcoration:

The inkwell showcases a rich combination of hand-painting, heavy gilding, and raised enamel work (moriage).

• Color Palette: The decoration is rendered in soft, delicate pastel colors—primarily pale pinks, lavender/purples, light blues, and soft greens—applied to a cream or light ivory porcelain ground.
• Hand-Painted Imagery: The four main panels of the body are adorned with detailed, stylized floral motifs. These designs consist of carefully painted blossoms, buds, and delicate foliage. The flowers appear to be a mix of small, dense bouquets and trailing vines, framed by the gilt elements.
• Gilding and Moriage:
  • Gilt Trim: Heavy gold bands define the edges of the base, the rim of the inkwell opening, and the edges of the lid.
  • Gilt Moriage: The floral painting is significantly enhanced by raised, three-dimensional gilt moriage beading. This beading is used both for decorative effect and to outline and highlight key features of the design, such as small floral centers or stylized scrollwork bordering the painted panels, lending a rich, tactile quality to the surface.

Marking:

The authenticating mark is painted in green on the base:

• Factory Mark: The letter “M” (for Morimura Bros.) is contained within a wreath.
• Inscriptions: The phrase “Hand painted” is situated above the wreath, and “NIPPON” is below.
• Dating: The “NIPPON” mark confirms the inkwell was manufactured and exported between 1911 and 1921.