Picnicking Under the Wisteria

Object NameVase

Date19th century

OriginJapan

MediumPorcelain

Dimensions6 × 1 1/8 × 1 5/8 in. diameter (15.2 × 2.9 × 4.1 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Ceramics

Credit LineGift of Ann and Henry Brunnier. In the Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number2.3.10

Status

Not on view

Collections

Decorative Arts

CultureJapanese

Label TextIn Japan unglazed earthenware was the only type of ceramics produced until high- temperature firing was introduced in the fifth century. Glazing technology was adopted in the seventh century and porcelain production was developed in the early seventeenth century. Japanese porcelain was influenced by European design and exported in large quantities during the mid-seventeenth century and again in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries. The second period of exportation occurred during the Meiji, or Reconstruction Era (1868- 1912), when Japan's borders were reopened to the world and westernization began. From this time onward, enameled porcelain was produced on a mass scale and became available for waiting European and American markets. Satsuma ware is traditional Japanese porcelain, originally made for use by Japanese royalty. Consequently, old pieces are very rare. More common are the brocade-style Satsuma wares made in several provinces to fill nineteenth- and twentieth- century export demands. This vase was made during the latter half of the Meiji Era. It features characteristic Satsuma motifs, including geometric ornamental border patterns with gold and many colored enamels painted delicately in a miniature style. The vase also includes traditional symbolic images, including the cascading wisteria, associated with youth and early summer, as well as the plover, or shore bird, representing happiness.

MarkingsDark brown seal with gold edges and 4 gold characters of potter's name="O-Yam-Nan-Sei" (made by Oyama). Irtsuma ware picknickin under wistria

Locations