Octagonal Jar with Design of Cherry Trees, Peonies, and Chrysanthemums

Culture: Japanese
Period: Edo period, 1615–1868
Date: early 18th century
Material: Arita ware, Ko-Imari type; porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue, overglaze iron-red enamel, and gold decoration
made in: Arita, Saga prefecture, Japan, Asia
Classification: Ceramics
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 223
Dimensions: height: 16 in. (40.6 cm)
diameter of mouth: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
diameter of body: 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm)
diameter of foot: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
Credit Line: Bequest of Reka Neilson Fisher
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 156:1993

NOTES

Broad-shouldered jars provided Japanese potter-painters a large surface for decoration. Hanging "wisteria" vine was a favorite motif because of its shade, fragrance, and beautiful pendant floral sprays that bloom in the late spring. Jars of this size and ornamentation were sought by the wealthy of Europe to decorate their salons and houses. The primary supplier of Japanese porcelains to that market was The Dutch East India Company.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.