Japanese Gourd-Shaped Hanging Vase
Artist: Unknown
Created: Japan, Meiji era,
Date: c. 1895
Medium: Cast bronze
Dimensions: 25 cm. high
Collection: Eldon House
This bronze flower vase in the naturalistic shape of a gourd, with details of leaves and tendrils, was bought by the Harris’ on their trip to Japan in 1897.[33] It was described by the Harris’ on a handwritten packing list from November 1897 as a “bronze cucumber” for which they paid “seventy-five cents.”[34] David Pepper in his comprehensive exhibition catalogue Treasures from Japan explains that the vase was meant to be hung on a wall or post in the traditional formal display alcove known as a tokonoma, in a Japanese home, and to contain a flower arrangement.[35]