Pair Of Japanese Lidded Pots Decorated With Dragonflies Japan, Late Meiji–taishō Period,

Pair of Japanese lidded pots decorated with dragonflies

Japan, late Meiji–Taishō period, circa 1890–1920

An elegant pair of Japanese lidded pots made of glazed ceramic, featuring a rich, entirely hand-painted design of dragonflies flitting among an abundance of yellow flowers and stylized foliage.

These pieces immediately captivate with the finesse and density of their decoration, characteristic of high-quality Japanese productions intended for a Western clientele at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The glazes, in shades of turquoise, aqua green, manganese purple, and yellow, create a particularly harmonious and luminous contrast.

The dragonfly motif, highly prized in Japanese art, is rendered here with elegance and poetry. A symbol of courage, prosperity, and happiness in Japan, it is frequently associated with the major decorative trends of the Meiji period and the emerging influences of Art Nouveau.

The lids feature a radiant design in shades of turquoise blue and violet that perfectly complements the ornamentation on the bodies. The set exhibits great decorative unity and a quality of craftsmanship superior to that of the most common export pieces.

The mark painted on the base, inscribed within a turquoise square cartouche, attests to Japanese manufacture from this period. These vases evoke the finest Japanese decorative works of the late 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century.

A rare decorative pair, as elegant as it is refined, ideal for a classical, Art Nouveau, or Japanese-inspired interior.

Dimensions:
Height: 25 cm
Diameter: 15 cm

In very good condition.