An Imari jardinière

18th century, Japan

Height: 19cm, 7.5 inches. Height with cover 22cm, 8.7 inches

The square jardinière has canted corners and moulded elements forming part of the decoration. Each of the four sides has the same design containing four scenes within cloud like shapes juxtaposed by a raised textile design of repeated flower heads. The clouds each depict one of the following, wisterias, camellias, chrysanthemums and a scene with a hut under a pine tree. The colour has been executed in both over and under glaze blue, with over glaze red, green and gilt.

The black lacquered wood cover decorated with mon in gold.