Early Imari jar with floral motif

A small vase with a soft impression.
This is an Early Imari piece made in the first half of the 16th century. It is slightly smaller than the medium-sized Early Imari vases of the same type that are often seen, at just under 14cm in height.

It's a small difference, but the size is incredibly adorable...

The shape that tapers gently from the high neck and shoulders to the bottom is unique to early Imari, which differs from the Korean pottery that is its roots. The simple painting, free of unnecessary decoration, brings out the soft surface that is unique to early Imari, which is not fired using the namagake technique (Glazing technique without firing).

A different floral design is painted on each of the three round windows on the shoulder. The flowers depicted are likely camellias, daffodils, or irises. The simple outlines are lightly painted with darker colors. The painting, which seems to have captured the true essence with few steps, seems to reflect a warm gaze directed towards familiar flowers.

There are no scratches and the condition is good. There are a few chips on the base that are probably from the original, but all the corners have been rounded off.

Masahiko Shintani, who is known for compiling many fine pieces of early Imari in his book "Adoring Early Imari," also seems to have owned several variations of Marumon vases, which he introduced in his book.

For more information on early Imari vases, please see the following blog:

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