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1 of 253523 objects
Pair of vases third quarter 17th century
Porcelain painted in purplish grey underglaze blue | H 41.7 cm, 42.2 cm (whole object) | RCIN 1206
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Vases of this kind may have been made for use on local altars in the ceramic-producing region of Arita. They are of a rare form, and probably not intended for export. This pair was nevertheless brought to Europe and may have formed part of Mary II’s extensive collection at Hampton Court Palace. In the late seventeenth century, Japanese porcelain manufacturers looked to China for inspiration, and these pieces imitate the shape and deep blue palette of Ming wares. Horses, phoenixes and waves are painted in the Chinese style surrounded by heads of ruyi (Chinese sceptre-like objects prized as a symbol of authority). The upper sections feature the ‘Three Friends of Winter’ (shō-chiku-bai) – pine, bamboo and plum blossom – whose ability to flourish in adverse conditions was considered an appropriate virtue for the Confucian scholar–gentleman.
A pair of cylindrical porcelain vases of gu form, with trumpet mouth rising from a central swelling boss surrounded by four projecting flanges, with others to match round the spreading lower part, which is cut in below to the foot. The base glazed, with a bare patch in the centre on RCIN 1206.1. Painted alike in deep purplish blue with Chinese-style designs, comprising in the centre four panels with phoenixes among lotus scrolls, framed by borders of ruyi-heads above and blossoms on waves below, and between the flanges on the lower section a design of sea horses galloping among waves and clouds, with a petal border below and ‘classic scroll’ round the foot. In a band on the neck are four panels with white rosettes in reserve on dark grounds, alternately, of Y-diaper and lozenge pattern, and below the rim another with finely painted bamboo, pine and prunus.Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume I and Japan: Courts and Culture (2020)
Provenance
Probably acquired by Mary II
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Creator(s)
(porcelain manufacturer)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Porcelain painted in purplish grey underglaze blue
Measurements
H 41.7 cm, 42.2 cm (whole object)
Other number(s)
Place of Production
Arita [Saga, Japan]