Large Hirado Vase
Culture
Japanese
Date1850–1899
Mediumporcelain with underglaze decoration
Dimensions109.9 x 37.5 cm (43 1/4 x 14 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum Acquisition
Object number1990.159
DescriptionHirado ware, also known as Mikawachi porcelain, is named after the kilns at Mikawachi on the island of Hirado near Korea. Established by the Korean potter Sannojo in the mid-1600s, Hirado ware was prized and patronized by the daimyo, or feudal lord, of Hirado. Yet with the decline of the feudal economic structure in the 1800s, the export market replaced the daimyo’s support of the kilns and Hirado ware became featured in several international expositions by the late 1800s and early 1900s. The oversized proportions of this vase reflect the often impressive scale of export ware to attract a wider international audience. The fantastical depictions of a dragon and phoenix decorating the vase are traditional symbols of the complementary male (dragon) and female (phoenix) energies in the universe.Label TextHirado ware, also known as Mikawachi porcelain, is named after the kilns at Mikawachi on the island of Hirado near Korea. Established by the Korean potter Sannojo in the mid-1600s, Hirado ware was prized and patronized by the daimyo, or feudal lord, of Hirado. Yet with the decline of the feudal economic structure in the 1800s, the export market replaced the daimyo’s support of the kilns and Hirado ware became featured in several international expositions by the late 1800s and early 1900s. The oversized proportions of this vase reflect the often impressive scale of export ware to attract a wider international audience. The fantastical depictions of a dragon and phoenix decorating the vase are traditional symbols of the complementary male (dragon) and female (phoenix) energies in the universe.
On View
Not on view
Chinese
early 15th century, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Chinese
12th or 13th century, Northern Song dynasty (960–1127) or Southern song dynasty (1127–1279)
