**First Time At Auction**
East Asia, Japan, Edo period, early to mid 19th century. A magnificent and quite sizeable Japanese Imari vase of a baluster form, beautifully decorated with four panels featuring women in a garden setting, one in which the central woman is writing a poem likely inspired by the beauty of their environs, as well as swirling botanical and floral motifs throughout, and mythical dragons and phoenixes adorning the neck and shoulder. All is delineated in a traditional Imari color palette featuring cobalt blue, orange/red, and green hues and further embellished with radiant gilding. Standing 36.5 inches tall, this massive Imari vase also has a custom copper insert, making it convenient to display fresh flowers. Finally, please note: This vase has been tested via x-ray fluorescence, and results show that the gilding contains 35-38% gold, and the blue areas are true cobalt blue. Size: 17" W x 36.5" H (43.2 cm x 92.7 cm)
Imari vases are porcelain vessels named for the port from which they were exported to the West, a practice that began in the 17th century.
There is an old label on the base of this vessel that is dated December 11, 1952 and states, "Old Japanese 'Imari' ware Big flower vase, / produced about 150 years ago (about 1800 A.D.) / at Saga prefecture in Japan. / Subject: A Lady composing a poem about flowers. / I guarantee this to be a genuine antique. M. Nakazawa / Opp. Imperial Hote. / Tokyo, Japan. / Dec. 11th 52"
Please note: A Japanese Imari vase ca. 1868 that is one foot shorter and not gilded has been listed by Sotheby's New York for $15,000 (SKU C9TC6).
This item is heavy/oversized and will require 3rd party shipping. Please inquire about shipping cost prior to bidding.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection, acquired via descent from Isbrandtsen Family of New York City; originally acquired in Japan on a worldwide trip in 1947-48
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
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#178247
Condition
Intact. Normal surface wear commensurate with age and use. Otherwise imagery and hues are vivid and nice gilding remains as well. The finish on the vase has been tested via x-ray fluorescence; results show that the gilding contains 35-38% gold, and the blue areas are true cobalt blue. Copper vessel within the porcelain vase is removeable and makes it very easy to display fresh flowers in the piece. Copper vessel presents normal age wear with some indentations and a nice age patina of blue and warm amber hues. Slight remains of old labels on shoulder. There is an old label on the base dated December 11, 1952 that states, "Old Japanese 'Imari' ware Big flower vase, / produced about 150 years ago (about 1800 A.D.) / at Saga prefecture in Japan. / Subject: A Lady composing a poem about flowers. / I guarantee this to be a genuine antique. M. Nakazawa / Opp. Imperial Hote. / Tokyo, Japan. / Dec. 11th 52"