Large Hand-Painted Vase with Auspicious Birds and Peonies, Japan

An imposing large hand-painted Japanese vase, about 60.5 cm tall — close to knee height — it creates a strong focal point whether set on the floor or on a low cabinet. The body flares gently outward from a slightly narrow neck and then draws in again at the foot; the proportions are tall and slender, the effect steady and elegant. The whole vase is grounded in rich golden yellow, and on close inspection a fine, continuous pattern lies beneath, like a layer of small cloud scrolls or karakusa arabesques, so the large expanse of gold still has depth. Over this, auspicious birds and peonies are painted by hand. Though the colors are saturated, a balance is struck between gold, ink black and green, producing a rich beauty with an Oriental flavor — well suited to serve as the centerpiece of a room.

Price NT$ 5,000 ≈ US$ 155(Approximate amount; actual prices are in New Taiwan Dollars)
Dimensions
L 21 × W 21 × H 60.5 cm
Category
Vintage Vases
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Features

A large size: a vase that becomes the main feature of a room

About 60.5 cm high with a mouth of 21 cm, it becomes the most conspicuous thing in a room whether set on the floor, on a low cabinet or on an entryway console, and is well suited to serving as the focus of a whole scheme.

A hand-painted design of auspicious birds and peonies, signifying good fortune and prosperity

The auspicious bird stands for good omens and good luck; the peony has long been regarded as the flower of wealth and rank. Placing the two together on one vase carries the sense of prosperity, good fortune and all things going smoothly, so it pleases the eye and conveys a blessing.

A gold ground with many layers of enamel: opulent without vulgarity

A gold ground is combined with ink black, green and brownish red; the colours are intense yet held in check by fine texture and line, showing the rich but restrained aesthetic so often found in Japanese craft.

A work of real presence, for collecting and for interior design

Compared with ordinary small and medium vases, this piece is closer to furniture-scale decoration and can greatly change the mood of a room, which makes it very suitable for the main visual area of a domestic living room or a commercial space.

Specifications

Dimensions L 21 × W 21 × H 60.5 cm