Vintage Hand-Painted Lidded Ceramic Jar

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This vintage hand-painted lidded ceramic jar presents a classic temple-jar silhouette, with a full, swelling shoulder that tapers to a … Read more This vintage hand-painted lidded ceramic jar presents a classic temple-jar silhouette, with a full, swelling shoulder that tapers to a flared foot and a fitted, domed lid crowned with a rounded gilt knob. The glossy black ground is alive with a lush botanical tableau: sword-like leaves in layered moss, olive, and sage green sweep upward from the base, while ruffled irises in cream, butter yellow, and plum-tinged lavender bloom across the shoulder. A fantastical bird with a pale blue, scalloped plumage and amber-gold tail feathers dives through the foliage beside a delicate butterfly whose wings, in apricot and cream, are accented with turquoise eyespots. Sinuous ribbons of burnished gold wind through the grasses, catching the light like gilded reeds. The neck, lid rim, and foot are banded in warm, hand-applied gold with a softly mellowed patina, and the lid repeats the iris-and-leaf motif in miniature. Fine, painterly brushwork gives the creatures and blossoms remarkable detail and depth. Opulent, storybook-like, and unmistakably artisanal, the jar feels like a jewel-toned garden captured in ceramic.

Place this jar on a console, mantel, sideboard, or dining table, or anchor a bedroom dresser or entry with its dramatic scale. It complements Chinoiserie, Hollywood Regency, Traditional, Grandmillennial, and Art Nouveau interiors. To care for it, dust with a soft dry cloth, wipe gently with a lightly dampened cloth, and avoid abrasive cleaners, soaking, and harsh polishes to protect the painted surface and gilding. The jar measures 10 inches (254 mm) wide, 10 inches (254 mm) deep, and 17.25 inches (438 mm) high. Condition is very good, with a vibrant original finish, minor age-appropriate wear, a well-fitting lid, gilding with a slight patina, and no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. Add this striking piece to your collection today. See less