About this work
This ornamental vase is a product of its time – late nineteenth-century England – and reveals a number of influences in both its form and decoration. The form was referred to as ‘Persian bottle’ by the factory, yet the vase is mounted on an integral fretwork stand that imitates gilt-wood and takes its inspiration from China. Similarly the geometric fretwork design around the neck references Chinese cloisonné enamel decoration. Yet the more informal floral designs of lotus flowers and chrysanthemums on either side of the body are wholly Japanese in inspiration.