Object Description
This is a fine and rare large pair of Japanese Imari jars with covers on ormolu stands, circa 1780 in date.
The vases are of elegant bulbous shape with octagon facets and have domed covers which are surmounted by attractive foo dogs finials on rocky outcrops.
The pair of vases feature matching stunning Japanese decoration in the traditional Imari colour scheme of orange, blue and white with hand finished gilding. They have a dense chrysanthemum floral design and large panels featuring landscapes and houses.
The vases sit on an identical pair of French pierced ormolu stands.
Add a touch of elegance to a special place in your home with these fabulous Japanese Imari porcelain vases.
Condition:
In excellent condition with no chips, cracks or signs of repair, please see photos for confirmation of condition.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 48.5 x Width 24 x Depth 24
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 7 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 9 inches
Japanese Imari Porcelain
was the European collectors’ name for Japanese porcelain wares made in the town of Arita, in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū, and exported from the port of Imari, Saga, specifically for the European export trade. In Japanese, these porcelains are known as Arita-yaki (有田焼).
The Ko-Imari and Iro-Nabeshima usually have painted decor of underglaze blue and iron red painted on a white ground. The porcelain has a gritty texture on the bases, where it is not covered by glaze. Subject matter is of foliage and flowers. Enamel colors other than blue and red are used in the Kakiemon porcelain.
Imari was simply the trans-shipment port for Arita wares. The kilns at Arita formed the heart of the Japanese porcelain industry, which developed in the 17th century, after the porcelain clay was discovered in 1616 by an immigrant Korean potter Yi Sam-pyeong (1579–1655). Yi Sam-pyeong was kidnapped with his family(180 persons) after the Japanese invasion in Korea in 1598. After the discovery, Arita kilns introduced Korean style overglazing technique and refined designs from the political chaos china, where the Chinese kilns at Ching-te-Chen were damaged and New Qing dynasty government stopped trade in 1656-1684. First, blue-and-white porcelain made at Arita, imitating Chinese designs, was also widely exported to Europe through the Dutch East India Company, but “Imari porcelain” connotes Arita wares more specifically designed to catch the European taste.
Our reference: A3035