Gu-Shaped Vase with Patina

1914–46

Seifū Yohei IV 四代清風与平

(Japanese, 1872–1951)

Culture

Japan, Taishō period (1912–26) or Shōwa period (1926–89)

Medium

Porcelain with overglaze color enamel

Measurements

31.2 x 16.5 cm (12 5/16 x 6 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of James and Christine Heusinger 2022.230

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The glaze recalls in some respects a Chinese glaze named “snowflake blue,” or xuehualan (Japanese sekka’ai), a low-fired lead-fluxed glaze.

Description

Yohei IV’s interest in bold, colorful designs is on full display in this purple gu-shaped vase. He not only exhibits his penchant for bold colors but also shows off a complex surface that suggests the patina on an ancient bronze. The body of the vase is a dark, greenish blue over which there is a thick application of color. While the predominant overlaid color is lavender purple, salmon pink and cornflower blue appear in places along with myriad nearly black forms, perhaps floating dandelion seeds or tiny flowers, scattered over the surface.