Chinese or Japanese? Carved in 3D - a 'bonsai' tree growing through a rock face

by David
(Yorkshire)

Chinese or Japanese? Impressed Stamp Mark. a 'bonsai' tree growing through a rock face

Chinese or Japanese? Impressed Stamp Mark. a 'bonsai' tree growing through a rock face

Hi All


I have a very eclectic mix of pieces, my favourites being an exceptional Kinkozan vase, a ditto Shibayama vase and 3 Inuit sculptures which possess tangible spirituality.

I recently visited an antique centre and bought the vase I am asking forum about here. I feel sure I have seen a similar piece on one of the antique programmes,but can't remember any more about it.

You will see from the photos,it is a basically slip-glazed (almost a la Martin Brothers!) vase about 8" high by 4" wide. The front panel is left unglazed,and has been carved in 3D into the interior of the vase,made to look (very convincingly) like a 'bonsai' type tree growing through a rock-face.

This element has a very japanese feel. It is superbly carved,and reminds me of the cork-bark carvings commonly available from China, the pine cones on the tree look identical in their execution.

So,is it Chinese or Japanese?

The mark is an impressed stamp type, approx. 1cm x 0.5cm

Thanks

David

Comments for Chinese or Japanese? Carved in 3D - a 'bonsai' tree growing through a rock face

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Need to see the vase please
by: Peter (admin)

Hi David

For some reason, the photos of the vase did not upload. We'll have more to go on if you send me the pics. I'll upload them for you.

Peter (admin)

Banko Ware from Japan
by: Peter (admin)

Hi David

Your instincts were right. This is Japanese Bankoware or Banko ware.

Banko ware's origins were long ago in the city of Yokkaichi, a thriving port in Japan.

It characteristically has a red-brown colour and is made of a certain type of stoneware which turns that colour in the firing process and has a special transparrent glaze.

This ware is popular in Japan but never caught on outside the country. Therefore prices are very modest as there are not many collectors to fight over the lots in Western auction - and there are few auctions of Bankoware held in the West and virtually none sold on ebay.

Best regards

Peter (admin)

Now I know!
by: Anonymous

MANY thanks for your info. It matters not whether this is monetarily valuable or not. The pleasure it gives transcends any other consideration. But now I know and my mystery is solved! PS It's not for sale anyway!!

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