Vase

The copper body has an applied silver rim and silver base plate, which is marked 'SILVER' in English. The flower depicted on the vase is known as the Hosoge (an abbreviation of Hosogemon, lit. 'precious flower pattern') and is associated with Buddhism. The Hosoge combines aspects of the peony, the lotus and other flowers into a unique composition frequently linked with karakusa scrolls, as seen on this vase. The stylised design, which has a distinctly Art Deco feel, has been executed in shiny black musen enamel with silver yusen to define the petal structure. The sinuous curves of the karakusa are softened by shadowy grey musen enamels and the whole design, which occupies only one side of th

Vase · Nagoya · c.1930-50. Cloisonné enamel vase decorated in shiney black musen (no wire) enamel and silver yusen (with wire) enamel around the petals.. By Ando Company. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.