Hanging Vase

Japan

Not on view

This hanging vase is embellished with ivy and dragonflies in the set-in inlay (suemon-zōgan) technique with gilded details, patterns that Moore adopted for several Tiffany silverwares. He and his team also analyzed the inlaid Japanese mixed-metal alloys. The ivy pattern, representing a strong life force, was popular among the samurai, while the dragonfly symbolized bravery and was accordingly often featured on sword fittings. Dragonflies are admired for their beauty, particularly their iridescent wings, and as harbingers of autumn.

Hanging Vase, Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents, Japan

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Hanging Vase, Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents, Japan
Hanging Vase, Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents, Japan
Hanging Vase, Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents, Japan

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