These vases represent an important stage in the development of Japan’s burgeoning enamels production in the Meiji period (1868-1912). From around 1840 there was a renaissance of the craft in the Nagoya area; thereafter there were rapid improvements in the quality of enamels, notably with the introduction from around 1870 of the expertise of western technical advisors. White was an especially difficult enamel to produce and these large vases, reminiscent of porcelain ware, show great skill in the use of this enamel as well as in the use of fine gilded wires; there is also evidence of the beginnings of the use of shaded enamels. The combination of geometric patterns (typically seen on earlier works) combine with a well laid out design of geese, quail, flowers and grasses (all typical Japanese motifs).