Japanese Sōma Ware Large Double-Gourd Vase with Crackled Celadon Glaze and Horse Painting (Koma-e)
This large gourd-shaped vase in the Sōma ware style has a very distinctive form. The body takes the shape of a double gourd, with two stacked spheres, the upper smaller and the lower full, giving round, steady proportions that combine a traditional auspicious form with the rustic beauty of Japanese pottery. It has a soft celadon-green glaze with extensive natural crackle, giving a warm, tranquil look rich in the feeling of age. The large lower body is painted with koma-e, that is, horse motifs, showing a galloping horse and figure brushwork in a plain, vigorous style that contrasts well with the celadon glaze. Both the gourd and the horse carry clear auspicious meanings in Eastern culture. The gourd symbolizes fortune and prosperity, receiving blessings and completeness; the horse is often seen as a symbol of vitality, progress, success and career development. The combination gives this piece value as collectible pottery and also makes it well suited as an auspicious display in a home or commercial space.
