Offered by Franck Baptiste Provence
Pair of large, funnel-shaped ceremonial vases in Japanese porcelain. The polychrome decoration, dominated by underglaze blue, iron red, and rich gold highlights, is in keeping with the tradition of so-called Imari porcelain, exported to Europe from the late 17th century.
The body is decorated with large reserves depicting an oriental landscape enlivened by pavilions, stylized pine trees, and symbolic animals in a flower garden. These reserves stand out against a background richly decorated with vegetal scrolls, plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, and foliage rendered in blue, red, and gold. The flared neck features a continuous frieze of flowers and branches, while the base is highlighted by an elegant border of gilded foliage.
The interior has removable zinc trays.
In very good condition.
Japan, Arita kilns, late Edo period, mid-19th century.
Dimensions:
Height: 61.5 cm Diameter: 30 cm
With giltwood bases: 69.5 cm
Our opinion: The pair of vases we are presenting is rare due to its size and the rich ornamentation characteristic of Imari decoration, where the abundance of flowers, the vibrancy of the colors, and the generous use of gold create a particularly spectacular decorative effect, highly sought after by European collectors.
