Vintage Japanese Uji Meicha Porcelain Tea Storage Jar, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0566

Vintage Japanese Uji Meicha Porcelain Tea Storage Jar, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0566

A boldly hand-lettered Uji meicha porcelain jar -- a rare survivor of mid-century Japanese tea merchant culture.

A meicha jar is a large commercial porcelain canister used by Japanese tea merchants to store or display premium loose-leaf tea -- most prized when sourced from the celebrated Uji growing region of Kyoto Prefecture. This generously proportioned ovoid jar carries hand-painted cobalt blue romaji reading "Uji meicha" (roughly, "fine Uji tea"), with the two flanking characters identifying the regional origin. The calligraphy is applied with the loose, confident brushwork typical of mid-Showa artisan ceramics, fired under a bright white glaze that sets the deep blue lettering into sharp relief. The unglazed flat foot ring visible on the base is consistent with commercial porcelain production of the 1946-1965 period. Pieces like this occupied the countertops and shelves of chado -- the Japanese way of tea -- shops and general merchants alike, functioning as both storage vessel and advertisement. As a piece of vintage Japanese craft, the jar embodies the quiet pride Japanese tradespeople took in presenting their finest goods.

Today this striking canister translates beautifully into modern interiors. Its generous scale and graphic blue-on-white palette pair naturally with Japandi style or minimalist decor, commanding attention as a standalone living room accent on a console, sideboard, or floor. Fill it with dried pampas grass or sculptural branches for a wabi-sabi aesthetic arrangement, or display it empty as a piece of Japanese vintage ceramics in a curated shelf vignette. It would make a unique housewarming gift for collectors, Japan enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the quiet beauty of handcrafted Japanese objects with a genuine story to tell.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: White-glazed porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze decoration
• Use: Commercial tea storage and shop display jar for Uji meicha (premium Uji tea)
• Modern Use: Decorative floor or console vase with dried botanicals; living room or entryway accent; curated shelf display piece
• Features: Ovoid body with gently flared rim; large hand-painted cobalt blue characters reading "Uji meicha" with flanking regional characters; fluid calligraphic brushwork; high-gloss white glaze overall; unglazed flat foot ring on base; no lid present
• Dimensions: 14"Diameter x 20"H
• Condition: Excellent

A commanding piece of vintage Japanese ceramics -- where the merchant tradition of Uji tea culture meets the graphic beauty of hand-painted porcelain.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.