Japanese Art Nouveau Awaji Ware Art Studio Pottery Flower Vase, ca. 1900s

French Art Nouveau Ocean Life Theme Vase Cachepot Iridescent Stoneware & Patinated Bronze Crab Appliqué ca. 1900s ABOUT We present here a most unusual and utterly decorative Fren...

ABOUT IRIS The iris is a special and mysterious flower. Not only because of its striking appearance, but also from an artistic and historical point of view. It is also like a work of art, as though created by Mother Nature. The unique leaves of this plant not only create wonderful shadow casts, but also look as if they were painted by hand. It's no wonder that iris acts as the muse for countless artists, and can be seen in many famous works of art. The iris was first spotted in the time of Pharaoh Thutmose, in 1504 BC. He had the iris inscribed into the wall reliefs of a temple as a sign of his power, as well as decorating his sceptre with motifs of the flower. Since then, the iris has been a symbol of victory in Egypt. But the symbolism of the iris goes further than that. In Japan, the flower represents courage and is the symbol of the boys' festival. In Islamic cultures, the iris is a symbol of prosperity. In Europe, the flower was a popular weapon symbol in the Middle Ages and stood for chivalry. And in Christianity, the iris was seen as a symbol of the trinity because of its three-part flowers. With more than 300 varieties, the iris is now the most popular flower among growers and gardeners following the rose. Countless artists use the iris in their works and the flower is present in all eras. You can see the flower on furniture, vases, jewelry, fabrics, sculptures, coats of arms and much more. Did you know that the iris is also called the sword lily? It's not a coincidence that it used to symbolize physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by a weapon. We also see the flower in religious art, where it's often associated with Mary and Jesus. The iris is also associated with the Greek goddess Iris, where the flower symbolizes reconciliation and divine messages. This is also reflected in many paintings. Finally, the iris is also visible in Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings. This can be in a religious form, incorporated into an object or as a decorative flower. In the Art Nouveau art movement, the iris (along with other plants, such as the birch) was often used as an expression of feminine beauty. With its almost otherworldly appearance, the iris is perfectly suited to the Art Nouveau aesthetic and is featured in many well-known works of art. The poet of that era, Hermann Hesse...

This beautiful end of Meiji Period Japanese Kyoto Fuzan Satsuma Ware double-handled vase has a gold plated intricate infinite circular relief pattern design and two images of goddess...

Although unmarked, this rare and important, grand but at the same exquisite patinated bronze vase has just a very few little details, defying the shape of the handles, as well as the...

This ceramic vase was made in Kasama, Japan. Kasama is a traditional and famous pottery producing area. It is very old vase. It has a very beautiful light blue glaze and has a wond...

Superb Baccarat crystal vase. A masterpiece of French Art Nouveau. Crafted in the late 1800s / early 1900s, it echoes the elegance of a holly tree, its branches and leaves dancing in...

Brown glazed ceramic amphora vase, with striking asymmetrical two handles design, fabricated in the early 1900s.

Delightful Art Nouveau Belgium stoneware studio pottery vase circa 1940s. Round shaped low vase with an opening to its flat top. Decorated with smatterings of appliqué petals on a tw...