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Hanging Vase

second half 19th century
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 蔦蜻蛉模様金銀象嵌鉄掛花入
  • Title: Hanging Vase
  • Period: Meiji period (1868–1912)
  • Date: second half 19th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Iron inlaid with copper, silver and copper alloys (shibuichi), gilded accents
  • Dimensions: H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); Diam. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.1.488
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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