An Arita porcelain vase and cover, probably from the Kakiemon kilns

Late 17th century, Japan

Height (incl cover): 33.5 cm, 13.2 inches Diameter: 22 cm, 8.7 inches

The baluster shaped vase, decorated in underglaze blue, with iron-red, green, yellow, blue and black over glaze enamels in the Kakiemon palette, painted with a ho-o bird perched in the branch of a peach tree. Three underglaze blue lines encircle the foot, while the shoulder has bands of geometric patterns, karakusa and lappets painted in coloured enamels. The domed cover and top knot, decorated with two chrysanthemum flower heads in red and yellow enamels amongst under glaze blue foliage.

Similar Examples

‘Japanese Porcelain’ by Soame Jenyns, London, no. 31A, in the Victoria and Albert Museum London.