A Pair of Large Japanese Imari Porcelain Vases with Dragons by Zoshuntei Sanpo

Late Edo- early Meiji period, circa 1880s, each vase of baluster form rising to a waisted neck and flared, lobed rim, boldly decorated in primarily iron-red and underglaze blue with dense brocade-style scrolling patterns and diaper panels, reserved with medallions and floral roundels, a white dragon coils dynamically around each vase in high relief, its sinuous body extending across the shoulder and lower body, the head modeled in expressive detail with open jaws and curling whiskers, each signed to underside 蔵春亭三保造 (Zoshuntei Sanpo).

Each 22 x 11 x 11 in.

The exuberant palette and elaborate surface decoration are characteristic of Imari wares produced for export during the Meiji period. The applied dragons reflect a taste for sculptural embellishment and technical virtuosity, combining molded and painted decoration to striking effect.

One vase with hairlines to underside; one bas-relief dragons with a some fleabites, firing cracks, and gilt rubbing; both vases with a few small areas of staining and paint rubbing.

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