Kaga ware: gourd-shaped bottles
Left — Double gourd-shaped bottle, of fine polychromatic ware, decorated with bands of various designs and medallions filled with different devices. On the lower bulb are three medallions, one containing a group of horses, and another filled with a dragon issuing from clouds; the third is shown in the plate, containing birds perching upon a pomegranate tree. On the upper bulb are two medallions, one with a floral device, and the other containing fishes. The general ground is of a light drab tint, covered with scrollwork in gold, and powderings of birds, insects, and flowers. Height: 15¼ inches.
Centre — Double gourd-shaped bottle, of fine polychromatic ware. Both in form and
ornamentation this specimen is remarkably good, although not so characteristically or quaintly decorated as the others pictured. The prevailing colour is red, green, black, and yellow being sparingly used. On the lower bulb arc four medallions, connected by links of diaper work, from the top and bottom of which spring graceful ornaments in gold. The medallion contains a three-clawed dragon, and the remaining three medallions contain a ho-ho and landscapes. The conventional designs throughout this beautiful piece are thoroughly artistic and appropriate. Height: 12½ inches.
Right — Double gourd-shaped Bottle, of fine polychromatic ware, somewhat similar in style of decoration to the first described (left). The most noteworthy features are the very irregular-shaped medallions. These are apparently intended to imitate broken spaces on the surface of the bottle, and are quaint devices, adopted by the artist, to do away with all feeling of severity and diametrical division. The three medallions on the lower portion contain figure subjects, while the lesser ones above contain birds, flowers, and representation of the conventionalised lion of Japan. Height: 15½ inches.
Lithograph, by Bauer, published 1875.