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Vase

1875 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This vase combines a number of features and motifs designed to appeal to western taste. The style and imagery of the central panels are similar to illustrations in Japanese woodblock-printed books, which were much admired in the West during the late 19th century.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Porcelain with decoration in overglaze enamels and gilding
Brief description
Two-handled vase, one of a pair, porcelain painted in overglaze enamels and gilt; Japan, Kyoto, Kanzan workshop, Meiji period, 1875
Physical description
Vase, one of a pair with 369A-1877. Porcelain, painted with various birds and flower on white panels; the rest of the body covered with varied decoration in colours and gold.
Dimensions
  • Height: 37.0cm
  • Minimum diameter: 13.1cm
  • Maximum diameter: 16.2cm
  • Base diameter: 13.4cm
Styles
Marks and inscriptions
Mark 'Kanzan sei' in overglaze red on the base
Gallery label
  • Vase with handles 1875 This vase combines a number of features and motifs designed to appeal to western taste. The style and imagery of the central panels are similar to illustrations in Japanese woodblock-printed books, which were much admired in the West during the late 19th century. Marked ‘Made by Kanzan’ for the Kanzan workshop Kyoto Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels and gold Museum no. 369-1877 (04/11/2015)
  • Vase Porcelain with decoration in overglaze enamels and gilding Birds and flowers Mark made by Kanzan in overglaze red on base Kyoto, Kanzan factory About 1875(1986)
Object history
Purchased from the Japanese Commissioners for the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876, accessioned in 1877. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Subjects depicted
Association
Summary
This vase combines a number of features and motifs designed to appeal to western taste. The style and imagery of the central panels are similar to illustrations in Japanese woodblock-printed books, which were much admired in the West during the late 19th century.
Bibliographic reference
Augustus Wollaston Franks and M. Shioda, Japanese Pottery. [London]: Chapman & Hall Ltd., 1880. South Kensington Museum Art Handbooks; 18. Catalogue number 211
Collection
Accession number
369-1877

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Record createdNovember 17, 2005
Record URL
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