Soft matte green ground, bright pink carnations, gold stems and leaves, every detail outlined in gold moriage — this little UCAGCO vase is a textbook example of why mid-century Japanese export porcelain is so collected. Seven and a half inches tall, stamped "UCAGCO China, Hand Painted, Japan" on the bottom, and dated by that mark to the period 1947–1961, when UCAGCO held its first Japan import contract. Excellent condition throughout.
Carnations have symbolized love and deep affection across cultures for centuries — which makes this a meaningful gift as well as a beautiful one.
UCAGCO was founded in 1850 by Abe Mayer in New Orleans and New York, originally as Abe Mayer & Co. The trademark UCAGCO — standing for United China and Glass Company — was officially adopted in the 1930s. After World War II, UCAGCO's agent in Japan signed the very first contract allowing imports from Japan, placing UCAGCO at the forefront of the postwar Japanese export ceramics trade. The company was sold to Sammons Enterprises in 1956.
A wonderful piece for a UCAGCO collector, a chinoiserie interior, or a gift for someone who deserves something with a little history and a lot of beauty.
