Collectibles
1970 Hudson's Bay Bison Porcelain Decanter | Kilay Manitoba Centennial Commemorative Whisky Bottle | Canadian Vintage Collectible
$146.96
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DetailsFOR SALE ☞
Original 1970 Kilay Porcelain Canadian bison whisky decanter, manufactured in Japan to commemorate Manitoba's centennial and the 300th anniversary of the Hudson's Bay Company. Complete with its original ceramic stopper, commemorative labels, Canadian excise-strip remnants, and attached historical booklet.
DESCRIPTION ☞
This vintage porcelain whisky decanter was manufactured by Kilay Porcelain in Japan in 1970, commemorating two significant anniversaries in Canadian history: Manitoba's centennial (1870–1970) and the 300th anniversary of the Hudson's Bay Company (1670–1970).
The decanter features a sculptural representation of a North American bison, also commonly called a buffalo, standing upon a rocky prairie landscape. The animal is depicted with a dark brown body, prominent shoulder hump, richly coloured golden-brown mane, curved ivory-coloured horns, and a lowered head. The surrounding landscape incorporates sculpted rocks, prairie grasses, and naturalistic green and ochre colouring.
Rising behind the bison is the bottle's distinctive sculptural neck, modelled to resemble a weathered tree trunk or rock formation and finished in cream with darkened recessed details. The removable ceramic stopper continues this irregular, naturalistic design.
The front retains its original oval gold-bordered paper label bearing the Manitoba Centennial dates of 1870–1970, together with the company's tricentennial designation.
Of particular interest is the original commemorative booklet, still attached to the reverse by its decorative gold-coloured cord. Its metallic gold cover bears the historic company emblem and the year 1970. The interior contains historical information concerning the North American bison, the prairie fur trade, and the company's early activities in Canada, with introductory text in English and French.
The original orange Canadian excise strip is partially preserved on the stopper and bottle neck, displaying the year 1964. These surviving paper elements are part of the decanter's original presentation.
The underside is clearly embossed:
1970
KILAY PORCELAIN
An original red and gold "MADE IN JAPAN" sticker is also present on the underside.
The reverse of the porcelain base bears the raised capacity marking "25 OZS."
The bison was an important symbol of Manitoba's centennial celebrations, reflecting the province's prairie landscape and historical association with the great herds that once inhabited the region.
This commemorative decanter represents an interesting intersection of Canadian provincial history, historic whisky packaging, Japanese decorative porcelain manufacture, and mid-20th-century collectible design.
A substantial decorative piece suitable for collectors of Canadian historical memorabilia, commemorative porcelain, vintage advertising, wildlife sculpture, and distinctive whisky decanters.
The decanter is empty and contains no alcohol.
DIMENSIONS ☞ (Approximately)
Height: 27 cm (10½ inches), including stopper
Width: 15 cm (6 inches)
Depth: 8 cm (3 inches)
Original marked capacity: 25 oz
CONDITION ☞
Good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with a porcelain decanter manufactured in 1970.
The bison retains its richly coloured finish and well-defined sculptural details, including the textured mane, horns, body contours, and rocky landscape.
The original front paper label remains present and legible, with minor surface wear and some rubbing to the gold-coloured border.
The original commemorative booklet remains attached by its gold-coloured cord. The booklet displays age-related creasing, scuffs, edge wear, and some discolouration, but the historical printed text remains substantially legible.
The original ceramic stopper is included. The cork fitting shows deterioration and wear, and should not be assumed to provide a liquid-tight seal. The original Canadian excise strip has been broken where the bottle was opened, with sections remaining attached to both the stopper and neck.
There are scattered surface marks, minor scuffs, and areas of discolouration across the porcelain, particularly around the neck, bottle opening, and reverse. The underside displays typical shelf wear and dark contact marks.
No obvious major structural breaks or cracks are apparent. The original Made in Japan sticker remains present on the underside.
Please examine the photographs carefully for the condition of the porcelain, paper labels, booklet, cork, and decorative finishes.
The stone used to support the decanter during photography is a separate display prop and is not included. Please see photos. Color may differ slightly in real life from how it appears on your screen due to varying monitor settings. Have a question about this item or want to see more photos? Send us a message & we’ll get back to you ASAP!
ABOUT US ☞ Front Street Antiques is located in downtown historic Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada. We are a husband and wife team on the hunt for interesting items that inspire nostalgia and curiosity. As antique enthusiasts, we do our very best to describe any imperfections and quirks, as well as provide a general background on the item; however, we are not yet experts on every item in our store. If you have additional information about an item for us, please send us a message -- we are always grateful to learn more :)
PLEASE NOTE ☞ Item will be carefully packaged up and shipped within 3 business days of sale, often sooner. We combine shipping on multiple items -- please send us a message prior to purchase to give us a heads up & we will be happy to refund the difference upon shipping!
All our listings are considered collectible, retro/vintage (25+ years) or antique (100+ years) and are rarely brand new. The majority of our stock comes from auctions and private collections or estates. Items for sale may display some age related wear and/or minor flaws consistent with the date of manufacture. Photos are included as part of the description. Due to the age and nature of our stock, all items are sold "as is" and final sale unless damaged in transit and covered by insurance.
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Return Policy:
• EU/UK Buyers — Under consumer law, most online orders include a 14-day right of withdrawal. Exceptions may apply to antiques, collectibles, and items sold “as is.” Buyer pays return shipping; refunds are issued only after inspection and verification of condition.
• Non-EU Buyers (US, Canada, etc.) — All sales are final unless otherwise stated. -
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Shipping from Canada
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I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
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Request a cancellation within: 24 hours of purchase
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Do you accept returns?
For EU & UK buyers: As required by consumer law, most online purchases can be cancelled within 14 days of delivery. Certain exceptions apply (antiques, collectibles, items sold “for parts/repair”). Buyer pays return shipping, and refunds are issued only after the item is received and verified in its original condition.
For buyers outside the EU/UK (e.g. USA, Canada): All sales are considered final. Returns are not accepted except in cases of significant misrepresentation.Do you accept exchanges?
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Why do some Canadian shops say “buyer is responsible for duty”?
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