Shishi Finial Imari Jar
These shishi finial imari jar pieces are covered porcelain vessels topped with guardian lion lid ornaments, prized for their traditional cobalt blue and iron red palettes.
Shishi Finial Imari Jar
When you search for shishi finial imari jar, you encounter lidded porcelain vessels originating from Japan during periods such as the Edo and Meiji eras, alongside European interpretations. These pieces often take the form of baluster vases and jars fitted with protective covers, topped distinctly by a shishi lion finial.
The versions most commonly met on this page span the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, featuring traditional Japanese Imari aesthetics alongside later Edwardian and French examples created in similar styles. Makers such as Samson also produced Imari style lidded vases during the nineteenth century, expanding the range of origins available to collectors.
How they were made
These vessels are formed from porcelain and decorated using cobalt blue underglaze combined with iron red enamel and gold leaf or gilding. Enamel detailing is layered over the fired ceramic body to build up the intricate patterns characteristic of Imari wares.
The distinctive lids are sculpted with a shishi finial serving as the handle, requiring careful modelling and firing alongside the main body of the jar or vase. Surface decoration frequently incorporates rich gilt accents applied over the glaze to highlight specific motifs.
Every guardian lion lid ornament stands ready to ward off unseen spirits from your mantelpiece.
What varies in quality
Quality in these jars is determined by the crispness of the porcelain form, particularly in octagonal baluster shapes and fluted profiles. The precision of the hand-painted cobalt blue underglaze and the application of iron red and gold leaf enamel define the visual depth of each piece.
The sculptural detail of the shishi finial on the lid also separates standard production from exceptional examples. Furthermore, the harmony between the decorative schemes of the jar and its corresponding cover indicates the care taken during manufacture.
Samson
The Shishi Finial Imari Jar Glossary
- Shishi
- A mythical guardian lion or dog commonly used as a sculptural finial on jar lids. It is traditionally associated with protection in East Asian art.
- Imari
- A style of Japanese porcelain decorated in underglaze blue, iron red, and gold, named after the port from which it was shipped to Europe. This palette defines the visual character of these lidded vases.
- Baluster
- A jar or vase form characterised by a curved lower body tapering to a narrower neck. This shape provides a stable and traditional base for the decorated surface.
- Underglaze
- A method of decorating pottery before the glaze is applied, using pigments like cobalt blue that can withstand high firing temperatures. This ensures the colour remains permanent beneath the glossy surface.
Shishi Finial Imari Jar: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shishi finial imari jar?
These pieces are porcelain vessels featuring a removable lid topped by a sculpted guardian lion, known as a shishi. They are decorated in traditional Japanese Imari colours.
Such jars were originally produced for display in domestic interiors during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, combining storage with decorative impact.
How do I date a lidded Imari vase?
Dating relies on examining the characteristics of the porcelain body, the vibrancy of the cobalt blue underglaze, and the style of the enamel decoration. Nineteenth-century examples often display Meiji period traits, while eighteenth-century pieces show earlier Edo conventions.
Comparing the potting technique and the wear on the base also helps distinguish between period originals and later European interpretations.
Were these jars used for storage?
While they are classed as lidded vases or jars, their primary function in European and Japanese interiors was decorative. The covers secure the vessel but the intricate enamel work points to display rather than utility.
They were typically placed on mantelpieces, side tables, or within dedicated cabinet displays alongside other porcelain.
What is the difference between Japanese and European Imari?
Japanese Imari pieces were produced in Hizen province and exported via the port of Imari, featuring authentic Edo and Meiji period materials and techniques. European makers, such as Samson, created imitations in the Imari style during the nineteenth century.
Distinguishing between them involves assessing the porcelain paste, the composition of the enamels, and stylistic nuances in the painting.