Flower vase with design of lilies in overglaze enamels
Important Cultural Property
Height 33.1cm, mouth diameter 26.4cm, bottom diameter 15.5cm
Ninna-ji Temple
This vase came from Ninna-ji Temple, which had the closest relationship with Insei’s Omuro ware, and was probably one of the offerings from Insei to the Ninna-ji Palace. It is in the shape of a medium turnip, modeled after an ancient bronze vessel, and consists of a wide-open mouth, a turnip-shaped body, and a rather small, high foot. The turnip shoulders are covered with devil’s mask ears on both sides, and the mouth and legs are covered with a full white glaze, with the glaze cut off in a neat decorative manner. The body is decorated with overglaze painting in the style of a lantern with three butterflies and a swastika design with a square enclosure. A large seal of Insei is stamped inside the stand. This vase was probably made as one of the three pieces of furniture used in front of the Buddha.
