A 17th Century Imari Vase

A fine late seventeenth century Imari vase of good scale, the fine stylised floral decoration in red, blue and gold glazes upon a white ground.

This vase is a good example of Imari porcelain, produced at the end of the seventeenth century for the European market. The clarity provided by the white ground gives additional strength to the sparse floral decoration and the variety of blue tones gives visual depth to the design. This vase would have formed part of a garniture within a grand residence, most probably placed upon a lacquer chest – a tremendous symbol of wealth in an age where society had become obsessed with the Orient and its treasures.