A bronze mimikuchi ('ear-mouth') shape vase for Rikka flower arrangementsEdo period (1615-1868), late 18th/early 19th century
The pear-shaped body incised in high-relief decoration with four swirl patterns possibly representing the ripples of a stream, the flat thin-rimmed circular mouth issuing on either side a scrolled S-shaped loop handle, on a flared base, unsigned; with a wood storage box inscribed Uzumaki moyo kodo hanaike (Old bronze vase with swirl patterns). 25cm x 31cm (9 13/16in x 12 1/8in). (2).注脚For a similar vase, see Donatella Failla, Food for the Ancestors, Flowers for the Gods, Genoa, Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art, 2017, pp.166 and 322, no.26.3.