A PAIR OF LARGE IMARI BALUSTER VASES AND COVERS Japan, Edo period (1615-1868), circa 1700THE SELECTED CONTENTS OF MELDON PARKA PAIR OF LARGE IMARI BALUSTER VASES AND COVERSJapan, Edo period (1615-1868), circa 1700Each decorated in typical palette of underglaze blue, iron-red, and gilt enamels with a near-identical design, the bodies with a continuous design of a pavilion in a richly blooming garden with pine, cherry blossom, peony, Chinese bellflower, chrysanthemum, and pinks, a family of four oxen outside the garden gate, the neck and foot with bands of ho-o birds enclosed in lobed reserves on hanabishi-mon (flowery-diamond crests) ground, and bands of plum blossom and karakusa ('Chinese grasses') ground surrounding three matsukawabishi (pine-bark) shaped reserves enclosing the 'Three Friends of Winter' (pine, bamboo, and prunus); the domed covers similarly decorated and surmounted by a teardrop-shaped finial, each vase: 87.8cm (34 9/16in) high (4)None