Flower Vase (Saidei Kaki)

Date1998

MediumColored stoneware with clear glaze

ClassificationsCeramics

Dimensions15 1/4 x 10 x 5 in. (39.0 x 25.5 x 12.0 cm)

Credit LineGift of friends of The Roebling Society in memory of Barbara Young

Object numberB.1998.81

DescriptionFlat, rectangular vase with a series of overlapping colored clays (saidei) on the exterior and partially on the top interior, and a glazed interior. The contours of each panel of the vessel sides are sharply defined but have subtle s-shaped curves. As Frederick Baekland in Modern Japanese Ceramics in American Collections on page 171 notes, Miyashita Zenji, by the late 1970's preferred the combination of linear and the curvilinear components through the integration of curved and planar surfaces as the present work shows. The intentional undulating shape complements the pectoral composition which the irregular multi-colored bands of clay create - a serene mountain landscape of Kyoto. The colors of the clay represent the hues found in the rainbow, starting from a metallic dark blue at the base to a pale yellow on the rim and ending with a rose pink in the interior. Signature: Miyashita (in Romanji, on base of vase).

Arrived with its own wooden box, signed Zenji Saku, with artist's seal: Zenji. Interior saffron yellow cloth has the artist seal in vermilion ink near one corner.

Condition: Excellent. Intact. One miniscule pit near top edge of vessel.

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