   Satsuma faience: large vase and stand This vase and stand are of the finest middle period ware, of pale drab tint with dull waxy glaze. This superb vase is of the earliest years of the period, all evidences being in favour of considerable age. There is little doubt that the stand, although it was came from Japan along with the vase, neither strictly belonged to it, nor was it made at the same date. It appears to be much more modern than the vase, but of the same middle period ware. The vase is one of a pair decorated with different birds and foliage, but alike as regards the conventional ornamentation. First, there is the band round the base of the vase, quiet in colour, solid in treatment, with a pleasing combination of vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and curved lines; the vertical and horizontal justly predominating. Round the body, and rising from the foundation band, there is a free and artistic treatment of trees, flowers, and birds, executed in quiet colours, and with no cast shadows to disturb the uniform surface decorated. Where the bell neck springs from the shoulder of the body arc three belts of rich coloured ornamentation of entirely different treatment; the lowest, divided and cusped, falls gracefully downwards on the curved shoulder. And, lastly, the bell, edged with its severe zig-zag border, presents one of those rich and characteristic fringes which, in the hands of the Japanese artist, is invariably appropriate and happy in effect. Height, including stand: 26 inches. Width across arms: 16½ inches. Lithograph, by Durin, published 1875.
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