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Antique Japanese Imari Baluster Vase 26.5 cm | 19th Century
€179,95
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14-day return policy
Imagine this: you enter a charming, sun-drenched room and your eye is immediately drawn to this magnificent centerpiece. The vase greets you with its deep, lustrous colours and tells a story of centuries-old Eastern craftsmanship. Standing at an imposing 26.5 cm tall and 16.6 cm wide, this is no ordinary object, but a striking focal point that adds warmth, history and character to your interior.
The exterior of the vase is a visual spectacle. The artist used the traditional three-colour palette that made Imari world-famous: deep, royal cobalt blue under the glaze, combined with fiery iron red and rich, hand-applied gold accents. The panels are masterfully arranged in a fan and cartouche pattern, abundantly filled with stylised chrysanthemums, peonies and delicate floral motifs. A close inspection of the vase reveals the minute variations of the fine brushwork; tangible proof that this object was entirely created by hand.
Secrets of the interior and the base
When you look into the beautifully flared neck of the vase, the subtle horizontal rings in the porcelain become noticeable. This is a fascinating detail that discerning collectors look for! These rings are the actual 'fingerprints' of the Japanese potter. They were formed on the potter's wheel as the craftsman pushed the moist clay upwards with his hands to create this elegant shape. They subtly remind the viewer that this object did not come from a soulless factory machine, but is pure handiwork.
When you look into the beautifully flared neck of the vase, the subtle horizontal rings in the porcelain become noticeable. This is a fascinating detail that discerning collectors look for! These rings are the actual 'fingerprints' of the Japanese potter. They were formed on the potter's wheel as the craftsman pushed the moist clay upwards with his hands to create this elegant shape. They subtly remind the viewer that this object did not come from a soulless factory machine, but is pure handiwork.
At the base is an almost perfectly round, authentic hole. In the world of antiques, this is a well-known phenomenon: many of these vases were professionally drilled upon arrival in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to be transformed into an exclusive, luxurious table lamp. This offers you, as a buyer, a wonderful and unique opportunity: the vase is therefore perfectly suited to be fitted with a beautiful light fitting and lampshade! It is important to know that this hole absolutely does not detract from the vase's enormous decorative and historical value. After all, antique porcelain of this calibre is used purely as a display piece; no liquids are stored in it today (due to its fragility).
Historical context
The splendour of Arita and Imari
The birthplace of this porcelain lies in the legendary mountainous region around Arita on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Since the early 17th century, the highest quality porcelain clay has been mined here. The vases were exported by ship to the nearby port city of Imari, primarily by the Dutch East India Company.
The birthplace of this porcelain lies in the legendary mountainous region around Arita on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Since the early 17th century, the highest quality porcelain clay has been mined here. The vases were exported by ship to the nearby port city of Imari, primarily by the Dutch East India Company.
This particular piece dates from the 19th century (Meiji period). During this flourishing period, Japan's borders opened up to the world again, and a true craze for Eastern art emerged in the West, also known as Japonisme. This vase is executed in the lavish Kinrande style (literally: gold brocade). The cobalt blue base was first fired at a high temperature, after which the iron red and gold were applied to the glaze in successive, cooler firings. The result is an indestructible riot of colour that is still as intense today as it was on the day it was created.
Specifications
- Product: Antique Japanese Imari vase / Baluster vase
- Origin: Japan (Arita region)
- Style: Imari Kinrande
- Period: 19th century (Meiji period)
- Material: High-quality hard porcelain
- Technique: Entirely hand-painted (underglaze cobalt blue, overglaze iron red and gold leaf)
- Dimensions: Height: 26.5 cm | Width (diameter at the widest point): 16.6 cm
- Features: Fitted with an authentic hole in the base (historical lamp drilling); the interior shows original hand-thrown throwing rings.
- Condition: Excellent antique condition. Beautiful lustre, very minimal and age-appropriate wear to the gold. No chips, large cracks or restorations to the visible porcelain.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why do I see slight ridges/rings inside the neck?
These horizontal lines are the potter's throwing rings. They are formed when the porcelain is shaped by hand on the potter's wheel. It is the ultimate, authentic proof of artisanal handiwork.
Can I use this vase as a lamp?
Yes, perfectly! Thanks to the pre-existing hole in the base, this vase is ideally suited to be converted into a unique, high-quality designer lamp by an electrician or yourself.
Will this fragile vase be shipped safely to me?
The vase will be packed with the utmost care.
Also read our blog:
The great porcelain battle: is your porcelain Chinese or Japanese?