One of a Pair of Imperial Cloisonne Vases with Bougainvillea Design
Artist
Ando Jubei (Japanese, 1876 – 1956)
Date
Circa 1905Medium
Enamel, silverDimensions
Work : 17 3/8 x 7 1/4 x 7 1/4 in. (44.13 x 18.41 x 18.41 cm)Credit Line
Gift of Worldbridge Partners and The R. Scott and Lannette Turicchi CollectionObject Number
2018.45.2.2
Label
The neck of this vase and its pair are decorated with chrysanthemum blossoms, a flower traditionally associated with the imperial family in Japan. The stylized chrysanthemum crest indicates that the vases were commissioned by the imperial family, most likely for use as a gift to a domestic supporter or foreign ally. Giving expensive gifts demonstrated the magnanimity of the imperial household and was part of its effort to project an image of Japan as a strong, wealthy nation.
