Triple gourd vase painted in Japanese style with large flower sprays c. 1700 - 1724

This anonymous 18th-century porcelain vase, housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a striking example of the "Japanese style" popular in Europe. The triple gourd shape of the vase was inspired by Chinese ceramics but is decorated with the colorful, naturalistic floral motifs characteristic of Japanese export ware. The vibrant blues, reds, and greens used in the decoration, along with the presence of gold accents, are reminiscent of the Kakiemon style of Japanese porcelain. The vase's unique form and exquisite decoration make it a valuable piece of European decorative arts and a testament to the enduring appeal of Asian artistic traditions.