Vase

Location: Japan

Materials: porcelain, modeled and enameled

Dimensions: height 31.1 cm

Accession Number: P 107

Other Notes:

A porcelain vase modelled in the form of two polar bears within an ice-bound rocky cave, numerous icicles hanging down the sides. The upper part hollow and forming a bowl. The icicles glazed to simulate the melting of their tips, the rock enamelled in relief with small plants.

This vase is a slightly enlarged version of the similar piece acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum from Kenneth Dingwall after the Japan-British Exhibition on 1910 (inv. No. C.244-1910).

Bibliography:

O. Impey, M. Fairley (eds.), Meiji No Takara: Treasures Of Imperial Japan: Ceramics Vol I, London 1995, cat. 76.
J. Earle, Splendors of Imperial Japan: Arts of the Meiji period from the Khalili Collection, London 2002, cat. 243, p. 346.