Rare vase couvert "Hampton Court" en porcelaine Kakiemon Japon, époque Edo, 1670-1690

de forme hexagonale légèrement effilée, chaque face ornée à décor de branchages fleuris de pivoines et coquelicots, l'un orné d'un phénix, le col souligné d'une frise de motifs géométriques, l'épaulement réhaussé de deux cartouches polylobés abritant des symboles bouddhiques alternés de fleurs épanouies sur fond karakusa, le décor se répétant sur le couvercle (2)

Both vase and cover are in good overall condition with the exception of a ca. 1 x 0.5cm shallow chip on the shoulder on one of the medaillions. There are two small (0.02cm) glaze frits to the finial. The blue and iron-red on the finial are very lightly rubbed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Originally, this vase would have been one of a pair of vases with the second vase decorated with the same design but in reverse thus presenting a matched pair. Named after a pair of Kakiemon vases of the same distinctive form and Kakiemon design palette in the collection at Hampton Court Palace, vases such as the present lot would have been proudly displayed in porcelain rooms of grand houses across Europe where they were often systematically arranged on the top of furniture or on shelves and brackets. Compare several examples illustrated in John Ayers et.al., Porcelain for Palaces. The Fashion for Japan in Europe 1650-1750, London, 1990, pp. 172-174, cat.nos. 151, 153 and 155.