Umbrella Stand decorated with Cranes
Artist
Imura Hikojirō
(Japanese, died 1897)
Datelate 19th Century
CultureJapanese
MediumPorcelain, gold
ClassificationDecorative Arts
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN11315
This vase would have been used for umbrellas, or perhaps John's walking sticks. From the mark on the base, we know that this vase was made by Imura Hikojiro of Yokohama. Originally an oil merchant, dealer/exporter Imura dealt in overglaze enamelware and in 1874 established a ceramic decoration factory that was known as Matsuisha. He became interested in the flourishing Tokyo etsuke (ceramic-painting aimed at export) trade and set up a business in Yokohama in about 1878. It is said that he came to own no less than four factories, with more than thirty ceramic-painters and over 200 workers.
The decorative motif includes the red-crowned crane, irises and bamboo. Because it is thought to live for one thousand years, the crane is a symbol of longevity, luck, and fidelity. Bamboo is also a symbol of longevity.
The iris in Japanese art always recalls the classic Tales of Ise, when a husband comes across a field of irises and composes a love poem for his beloved wife.
On View
On viewLocation
- The Ringling, Ca' d'Zan, 2nd floor, John's Bedroom, Closet secondary
Collections
c. 1890
late 15th-early 16th century
