Hanging Vase

Japan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 199

This hanging vase is embellished with ivy and dragonflies in the set-in inlay (suemon-zōgan) technique with gilded details, patterns that Moore adopted for several Tiffany silverwares. He and his team also analyzed the inlaid Japanese mixed-metal alloys. The ivy pattern, representing a strong life force, was popular among the samurai, while the dragonfly symbolized bravery and was accordingly often featured on sword fittings. Dragonflies are admired for their beauty, particularly their iridescent wings, and as harbingers of autumn.

Hanging Vase, Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents, Japan

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Hanging Vase, Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents, Japan
Hanging Vase, Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents, Japan
Hanging Vase, Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.