Vase
After their goods began to appear at world’s fairs, metalsmiths in Japan must have realized that Westerners appreciated not only their traditional, stylized motifs but also their more naturalistic designs. At the same time, decorative patterns of flowers, plants, birds, and insects proved to suit the Victorian taste. The resulting “hybrid” sensibility of the period is well represented by this vase imitating a bamboo basket, decorated with climbing vines and gourds as well as butterflies with fine inlaid patterns.
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