Large Arita (Hizen) vase. Japan, Edo period.

Large Arita (Hizen) vase. Japan, Edo period (18th century).
Porcelain with blue underglaze decoration and Ko-Imari (akae) glaze on cover.
In very good condition according to its age.
Measurements: 52 x 40 x 40 cm.

Imposing large vase made of Arita porcelain, an outstanding example of the high-level polychrome production developed in the province of Hizen during the Edo period. For its monumental scale and decorative complexity, the piece is part of the porcelain for prestigious interiors, both in Japan and in export markets.

The ovoid body, of sculptural presence, is articulated by means of a refined ornamental program organized in registers. The neck presents a continuous frieze of flowers and scrolls, while the shoulders are structured with reserves and cartouches framed by geometric motifs. The wide central field is dominated by an elegant floral composition with blossoming branches, chrysanthemums and stylized peonies emerging next to garden rockeries, executed in cobalt blue under cover and enriched with iron red and green enamels.

The chromatic combination -deep underglaze blue and overglaze enamels in iron red (aka), green and additional touches- responds to the characteristic language of the so-called Ko-Imari style, a name that alludes to the porcelains exported through the port of Imari but produced in the kilns of Arita. This decorative repertoire reached during the 18th century a great technical sophistication and a remarkable international success, especially in Europe, where these pieces ornamented palaces and aristocratic residences.

The scale of the vase is significant: the firing of forms of this size required exceptional technical control to avoid deformations and tensions in the glaze, which makes this type of specimens comparatively rare and especially appreciated.

Their monumental character suggests a representative function, closer to the exhibition object than to utilitarian porcelain.