An Unusual Japanese Kutani Kazari Tsubo Vase

Meiji period (1868-1912), large jar with simulated brocade cloth falling from mouth rim in relief draped manner over the body decorated with tako karakusa pattern on black ground and populated with playful foo shishi lions and chilong dragons as well as sixteen petal chrysanthemums in gold and iron red, the rest of exposed body has a cream crackle glaze ground hand painted with flying dragons and mythical beasts over swirling waves, unglazed to foot rim and underside. The gosu blue highlights throughout this ceramic give it additional splendor and interest.

12 1/4 in.

For a similar style ceramic see an earlier jar from Japan dating to mid-19th century having the same type of kazari tsubo wrapped brocade cloth decoration but in a trompe l'oeil method in the LACMA collection (M.2007.130a-b).

Good estate condition; with some nicks with loss to draped cloth edges; a firing crack on upper body right below cloth; large glaze skip to interior of neck.