Vase with wood stand (one of a pair with F1996.5.2a-b in original box F1996.5.3a-d)

Bottle (a) with wooden stand (b), one of a pair with F1996.5.2a-b, both contained in a wooden box with lid (F1996.5.3a-b).

The decoration of these two small, four-sided cloisonne bottles shows that they were designed to be a pair, not simply “paired” by a dealer or customer to suit Western (Chinese-influenced) taste. Each bottle depicts a group of realistically drawn hybrid chrysanthemums (the sort grown for display in autumn botanical exhibits), decoratively varied in petal form and color (white, lavender, deep red, yellow, and pale orange). While the flower groupings are similar, they are intentionally not identical; placed side by side, the two bottles create a single panoramic scene.The flowers as well as the bands of geometric cloisons, and a plain, deep blue ground further sets off the distinctive grayed hues. Presumably the design for these bottles was supplied by a professional painter, following the practice of most cloisonne workshops.

Maker(s)
Artist: Hayashi Kodenji (1831-1915)
Historical period(s)
Meiji era, ca. 1902
Medium
Cloisonné on metal (brass), silver alloy rim and base
Dimensions
H x Diam (a): 12.1 x 4.7 cm (4 3/4 x 1 7/8 in)
Geography
Japan, Nagoya
Credit Line
Gift of Emma Shelton in memory of T.T. Alexander, D.D.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1996.5.1a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Cloisonne, Vessel
Type

Vase

Keywords
autumn, flower, Japan, Meiji era (1868 - 1912)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Bottle (a) with wooden stand (b), one of a pair with F1996.5.2a-b, both contained in a wooden box with lid (F1996.5.3a-b).

The decoration of these two small, four-sided cloisonne bottles shows that they were designed to be a pair, not simply "paired" by a dealer or customer to suit Western (Chinese-influenced) taste. Each bottle depicts a group of realistically drawn hybrid chrysanthemums (the sort grown for display in autumn botanical exhibits), decoratively varied in petal form and color (white, lavender, deep red, yellow, and pale orange). While the flower groupings are similar, they are intentionally not identical; placed side by side, the two bottles create a single panoramic scene.The flowers as well as the bands of geometric cloisons, and a plain, deep blue ground further sets off the distinctive grayed hues. Presumably the design for these bottles was supplied by a professional painter, following the practice of most cloisonne workshops.

Inscription(s)

1. (Louise A. Cort, 14 March 1996) Maker's mark on base of both bottles shows a diamond enclosing a stylized depiction of the character ko.

Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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