Flower Jar with a Dragon Rising from the Waves

Description A dragon emerges from swirling, crested ocean waves which form the pedestal for the jar. The flamboyance of this elaborate relief is in keeping with pieces from the late Edo period (early 19th century). This flower jar may have been part of an altar arrangement in a Buddhist temple. The inscription translates: "Made by Seimin, residing in the Eastern Capital." This flower jar was made in three pieces: a cast bronze base with a lacquer patina; a cast bronze bowl, chemically patinated and with silver inlay for the dragon's claws; and a hammered and soldered silver-plated copper liner.

Exhibitions

• The Allure of Bronze. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1995.

Provenance William T. Walters, Baltimore, before 1884 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1894, by inheritance; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Inscriptions toto-ju seimin saku; [Translation] Made by Seimin, residing in the Eastern Capital

Credit Acquired by William T. Walters, before 1884