   Kaga ware: basin The basin of red and gold Kaga ware is one of the finest and most beautiful pieces of the manufacture imported to England. It was obtained in Japan by Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, and was exhibited, along with his fine collection of Oriental works of art, at South Kensington Museum, on his return from the East. The belt of figures round the interior of the basin forms one of its most striking and characteristic features. The narrow border above the figures is ornamented with flying cranes; and the medallion in the bottom is filled with tortoises, disporting themselves in water. Chimerical animals amidst clouds, and compartments containing cranes, decorate the exterior of this interesting piece. The whole decoration is executed in the deep red only met with in the finest quality of Kaga ware, and is richly wrought with gold. Diameter: 9½ inches. Height: 4½ inches. Lithograph, by Durin, published 1875.
|
|
