Vase

ca. 1765

The form of an ancient Chinese bronze beaker inspired the modeler of this tall octagonal vase. Even though it slumped in firing, it was considered worthy of decoration. Japanese Kakiemon-style dragons curl through flowering trees on panels that alternate with prunus and chrysanthemums, but Imari is the overall influence seen in this vase. The motifs and gilt trelliswork completely fill the space in a manner very unlike sparse Kakiemon decoration.

Soft paste porcelain

16 in. (40.7 cm), height

Gift of Martha and Henry Isaacson

81.9

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Porcelain Stories: From China to Europe", February 17, 2000-May 7, 2000 (2/17/2000 - 5/7/2000)

Published ReferencesEmerson, Julie, Jennifer Chen, & Mimi Gardner Gates, "Porcelain Stories, From China to Europe", Seattle Art Museum, 2000, pg. 182

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