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Pair of Vases
Japan, 1720
Adapted and Mounted: 1750, France
Purchased by George IV, recorded 1826
The Royal Collection |
These brightly painted vases began their lives as a pair of wide-shouldered flasks designed to hold spirits. They were made in Japan for export to the Netherlands. In the 1750’s the flasks were adapted by a French artist who cut them down and added gilded mounts to them. The mounts—in the form of elaborate scroll-work—were crafted to very neatly match the asymmetrical painted pattern of carp, lions and flowers (three things not typically found together—at least without effort).
King George IV purchased this pair for display at his Brighton Pavilion. They were first recorded in the Royal Collection in 1826 and were simply described as “Japan China Jars.” Royal record-keeping has come a long way.
1 comment:
Even cut down they are fantastic!
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