What is a large imari urn?

A large imari urn is a substantial nineteenth-century porcelain vessel decorated in the traditional Japanese Imari palette of blue, red, and gold. These pieces were produced for export and grand interior display. They take the form of tall floor vases, lidded jars, and jardinières, often standing well over a metre in height and occasionally created as matched pairs.

How were these large urns used?

These vessels served primarily as decorative focal points in nineteenth-century drawing rooms, hallways, and formal reception spaces. Their imposing scale allowed them to stand directly on the floor or upon dedicated wooden stands. Lidded versions could contain dry potpourri or simply display intricate panel painting from every angle, while open jardinières accommodated large plants.

How do I live with a large imari urn?

Position your urn where its substantial height and rich colour palette can command the space without obstructing movement. Floor-standing examples work particularly well in empty corners, wide landings, or flanking grand fireplaces. Keep the porcelain away from heavy foot traffic to protect the body and any associated wooden stands or ormolu mounts from accidental knocks.

How do I tell periods apart?

Nineteenth-century pieces, particularly those from the Meiji period and the 1880s to 1900s, display robust porcelain bodies with dense enamel and gold leaf decoration. Earlier seventeenth-century traditions influenced these later nineteenth-century revival and export wares. Pay attention to the weight of the porcelain, the depth of the underglaze blue, and the presence of period-specific Samson copies or Japanese export markings.