A pair of Imari porcelain vases
18th century, Japan
Height: 33cm, 13 inches
The elongated baluster form has a heavy foot rim, short neck and slightly flaring mouth. Each vase is decorated in similar fashion with three vertical panels containing a flowering branch amongst which is peony, chrysanthemum and plum, below the three smaller mixed sprigs of the same plants are painted above the foot. The main panels are divided by ribbon like bands in dark blue under glaze enamel painted with gilt floral scroll work, with the necks of the vases decorated in the same manner.
Similar Examples
Porcelain for Palaces, Oriental ceramics society 1990, figure 223 in the Victoria and Albert Museum London.