Japanese Works of Art - 20th May 2026

Lot 511

TWO JAPANESE BENKEI AND CARP VASES

Estimate £800 - £1,200 | Hammer £953

+ Buyers Premium

Description

TWO JAPANESE ARITA BENKEI AND CARP HANAIKE (FLOWER VASES)
EDO PERIOD, 17TH/18TH CENTURY

Both painted in underglaze blue, gilt and polychrome enamels; each modelled with the boy clambering on the back of the gigantic fish, with waves crashing against rocks below; the fish with their mouths agape and fins flapping; both bases with gauze marks and old collection numbers, both 23.5cm. (2)

Cf. J Welsh, Okimono, Japanese Porcelain Figures From The Edo Period, pp.172-173, for a similar model.