   Kyoto ware: vase Large vase of late period Kyoto faience, elaborately ornamented with coiled dragons in relief, and flat painted decoration. The base is covered with fish-scale diaper work, and conventional floral designs, in rich coloured enamels. The lower half of the body of the vase is covered with a sea scene, in which fishes and other marine animals are depicted, darting through the waves in all directions. Apparently issuing from the ocean depths are two large three-clawed dragons, one on each side of the vase, cleverly modelled in high relief, and richly painted, with the scales and other details belonging to this chimera. In the upper portion of the body of the vase, above the foam of the dragon -lashed sea, are small birds in flight. A pair of projecting head handles issue from the shoulder of the vase, and above them the curve of the shoulder and the bell-mouth are richly painted, with panels of diaper work and other conventional details; but the most interesting features in connexion with these portions are the two creatures which are depicted in the act of descending towards the dragons; and which have the bodies of birds, bat-like wings, and heads of dragons. In no other instance has such a representation of this extraordinary compound been seen, and it is not certain whether it ought to be placed amongst the other fabulous animals of Japan, or looked upon as a creation of the artist's own imagination. The vase is one of a pair, probably amongst the most valuable specimens of late period Kyoto faience in England. They were exhibited in the London International Exhibition of 1874, where they were much admired by students of oriental art. Height: 22¼ inches. Lithograph, by Bauer, published 1875.
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