Japanese Totai "Tree Bark" Vase Depicting Bamboo and Flowers

Bamboo and red chrysanthemums grow out of a surface that feels like bark.

This Japanese totai or tree bark vase depicting bamboo and flowers is from Japan, Meiji period (1868 – 1912 CE), in cloisonne and porcelain. Totai cloisonne was a Meiji innovation, applying wire and enamel to porcelain and coating the ground in a rough, bark-like texture that contrasts with smooth enamel decoration. The baluster body is dark brown and pebbled. Bamboo stalks and leaves in olive and coral rise around it, with three red blossoms. A sawtooth band in red and black circles the foot. It is 7.25 inches high and 3.5 in diameter.

Rough on the outside, refined in the details.