A Japanese Vase and Cover, Meiji period, last quarter of the 19th century
Dating from the Meiji period, this porcelain baluster vase and cover is decorated in the Imari palette of underglaze blue, overglaze red and gilt. Two fan-shaped panels containing a dwelling beneath a flowering prunus are separated by circular red mon emblems containing a single flower. At the base is a band of flower heads and foliage.
Of an attractive small size, this vase is perfect for displaying above a fireplace, on a wall bracket, or as part of a garniture. Items such as this satisfied a demand for fashionable japonisme in European and American interiors during the second half of the 19th century.
Provenance: The Ian and Antonia Macpherson Collection, Old Hall, Blofield, Norfolk.
Condition: No chips, cracks or restoration. There is very light age-related wear to the enamel and gilt decoration, and minor glazing and firing flaws from manufacture, including kiln dust to the cover rim.
Dimensions: Height (to top of knop) 14 cm