Vase, possibly glazed by Charles M. Kurtz

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At A Glance

  • Period

    late 19th century
  • Geography

    Japan
  • Material

    Porcelain with purple (manganese) enamel glaze
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 21 x 9.2 x 9.2 cm (8 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 3 5/8 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1991.26
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1991.26

Object Details

  • Description

    Classic "arrow-vase" (peach-shaped) with long, cylindrical neck and bulbous body resting on applied foot trimmed to create footring.
    Clay: Porcelain; footrim chipped and slightly darkened on surface by use.
    Glaze: Interior and exterior covered with purple (manganese) lead-fluxed glaze which produced translucency and a high sheen. The glaze is thinner around the mouth and upper neck and darker at the base where it has pooled around the foot. Colorless glaze applied to foot and rim (slightly under fired). Purple glaze on foot is accidental.
    Decoration: none
    Mark: none
  • Provenance

    To ?
    Charles M. Kurtz (1855-1909). [1]
    To 1991
    Isabel S. Kurtz (1901-1991). [2]
    From 1991
    Freer Gallery of Art, bequest of Isabel S. Kurtz (1901-1991). [3]
    Notes:
    [1] Ms. Isabel Kurtz bequeathed the group of Asian ceramics, F1991.19-.44, to the Freer Gallery of Art.
    These objects had been collected by her father, Charles M. Kurtz, who was a friend of Charles Freer.
    Also see Curatorial Remark 1 in the object record.
    [2] See note 1. Also see Freer Gallery of Art Purchase List after 1920 file, Collections Management Office.
    [3] See note 2.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Charles M. Kurtz (1855-1909)
    Isabel S. Kurtz (1901-1991)
  • Origin

    Japan
  • Credit Line

    Bequest of Isabel S. Kurtz
  • Type

    Vessel
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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