A pair of Imari vases and covers decorated with ladies and attendants holding parasols

Circa 1700, Japan

Height: 89.5cm, 38.78inches

Each vase of baluster form with domed cover, the latter with broad rim and surmounted by a standing lady dressed in a kimono. The main body of each vase painted with two ladies traditionally dressed in kimonos, each accompanied by an attendant carrying a parasol, the two groups separated by a flowering plum tree and flowering chrysanthemums. The shoulders are decorated with birds in flight and at rest beside stylised water amongst flowers, between which are three groups of five octagonal Mon like arrangements, the design echoed on each domed cover.

The colours are in a restrained Imari palate of over glaze green, aubergine, red, black and gilt, against a considerable amount of white ground, thus creating a light and uncluttered composition.