Important Pair of Arita Porcelain Vases Insects Marrying decorative sophistication with practical

Marrying decorative sophistication with practical function

Sourced directly from the family of General Groom

Date: Circa 1758

The present pair is particularly notable for the sculptural ambition of the covers

Important Pair of Arita Porcelain Vases Insects Marrying decorative sophistication with practicalA rare and highly important pair of early 18th century Japanese porcelain vases and covers, executed in underglaze cobalt blue on a white ground and deliberately left partially unfinished. Of imposing baluster form, each vase rises to an elaborate pierced cover surmounted by a finely modelled mythical Temple Lion (shishi), symbols traditionally associated with protection, strength, and imperial authority in East Asian decorative arts. The bodies are