18th Century Japanese Covered Potiche in Arita Porcelain with Imari Decoration, , 1690

Details

Description

An exceptional and monumental japanese covered vase in arita porcelain with imari decoration, edo period, 18th century.

with its spectacular … Read more An exceptional and monumental japanese covered vase in arita porcelain with imari decoration, edo period, 18th century.

with its spectacular dimensions—approximately 75 cm high by 40 cm wide—this imposing vase belongs to the tradition of large japanese ceremonial porcelains, the creation of which demanded considerable technical mastery.

its powerful and particularly elegant baluster-shaped silhouette is crowned by a substantial domed lid ending in a pear-shaped handle. The piece possesses a remarkable architectural presence and constitutes, in itself, a true focal point in any interior.

a sumptuous hand-painted imari decoration
the porcelain displays the emblematic palette of arita's imari productions: underglaze cobalt blue, iron red, polychrome enamels, and gilt highlights.

the large body is enlivened with japanese landscapes combining pavilions, architectural elements, pine trees, maple trees, rocks, mountains, and stylized clouds.

as the eye travels up towards the shoulder, the decoration becomes richer with lush floral compositions, notably chrysanthemums and foliage, which extend onto the neck and lid.

the hand-painted details retain all the spontaneity of the hand: variations in line, nuances of cobalt, and small irregularities give the decoration a depth and personality that mechanical production could not reproduce.

a monumental creation
the true singularity of this work becomes apparent when its construction is examined.

due to its exceptional size, the vase was not thrown in one piece. The body was constructed and assembled in several successive sections.

the interior still bears the marks of this traditional technique. A join is visible in the upper third of the body, about twenty centimeters below the shoulder. A second join appears at the transition between the shoulder and the neck, with an intentionally rougher interior surface.

these traces of production are particularly fascinating: they allow us to literally follow the potter's work and understand the skill required to create such a large piece of porcelain.

the exterior surface also displays gentle, wide undulations, sometimes visible over a distance of 10 to 15 cm. These result from the shaping, drying, and subsequent high-temperature firing of such a large mass of porcelain.

far from being flaws, these irregularities give the piece the subtle vibrancy characteristic of large ceramics entirely handcrafted.

traces of the kiln and the potter's hand
the interior and unglazed areas retain numerous traces of their creation: concentric striations from the wheel, a slightly bluish-white glaze, small inclusions, irregularities and firing imperfections, as well as various traces of adhesion from the kiln.

the underside of the lid also exhibits very prominent concentric wheel-throwing marks. Its glaze, decoration, and craftsmanship are perfectly consistent with the body of the vase.

japan, arita, edo period
all observations—monumental dimensions, shape, imari palette, multi-section construction, workmanship of the foot and lid, glaze, and traces of manufacture—allow us to link this vase to the large arita-imari porcelains produced in japan during the edo period.

dating: 18th century.

the stylistic and technical characteristics also suggest a more precise date of creation between the late 17th century and the first third of the 18th century, probably around 1690–1730.

these large porcelain pieces were prestigious display items. Their size, the complexity of their firing, and the richness of their decoration made them particularly sought-after objects, designed to impress as much by their technical virtuosity as by their decorative power.

condition and authenticity
considering its age and size, the vase is in excellent overall condition.

it intentionally retains the marks of its long history: irregularities inherent to the shaping and firing processes, occasional wear to the decoration and gilding, and a slight crack visible on the lower part and base.

these features are documented in the photographs and should be considered within the context of an antique, handcrafted, monumental porcelain piece.

characteristics
origin: japan
production center: arita, attributed
decoration: imari
period: edo
dating: 18th century, probably early 18th century
material: porcelain, polychrome glazes, and gilding
height: approximately 75 cm
maximum width: approximately 40 cm
lid: original See less