How were Japanese floor urns originally displayed?

These large vessels were placed directly on the floor in grand hallways, antechambers, and prominent reception rooms. Their considerable height allowed them to anchor empty corners and balance high ceilings. Pairs were often positioned symmetrically around doorways or hearths to create an imposing visual impact in late nineteenth-century interiors.

What is the difference between Imari and Satsuma?

Imari pieces are made of hard porcelain and are traditionally decorated in cobalt blue and iron red with added gold. They present a crisp, resonant ceramic body. Satsuma pieces utilise an earthenware body covered in a characteristic network of fine crackle glaze, serving as a textured base for dense enamel and gilt painting.

How do I identify a Meiji period piece?

Meiji period ceramics correspond to the dates of the Meiji Emperor's reign between 1868 and 1912. The items from this era often show a strong focus on international export markets, combining traditional motifs with ambitious scale. Many bear period signatures or factory marks associated with this prolific era of Japanese craftsmanship.

Can these large vases hold water?

While technically ceramic vessels, floor urns of this size and age are generally treated as decorative objects rather than functional planters. The weight of water and soil can stress antique bodies and delicate interior glazes. Using them dry preserves the structural integrity of the nineteenth-century porcelain and earthenware.

Home > Japanese Porcelain Floor Urns > Page 3

Japanese Porcelain Floor Urns

36 items · page 3 of 3

← Page 3 of 3 →

Japanese porcelain floor urns are substantial decorative vessels originating primarily from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, commanding attention in large interior spaces.