Hampton Court vases
- Audio guide stop: 592
- Gallery: Room 93
- Culture: Edo Period
- Made in: Europe; Arita
- Date: 1670-1690
- Object type: jar, lid
- Materials: porcelain
- Museum number: Franks.478
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
In front of you stands a hexagonal lidded jar, known as a "Hampton Court vase." Made from porcelain, it features vibrant polychrome overglaze enamels in the Kakiemon style, applied over a smooth, milky-white surface called nigoshide. The jar's design includes delicate floral sprays and quatrefoil panels, all set against a green scroll design. Notice the border of triangles around the shoulder and the key-fret band at the neck.
This masterpiece was crafted in the late 17th century in Arita, Japan, during the Edo Period. Kakiemon style was celebrated for its clear glaze and bright enamel colors. The jar was made specifically for the European market, destined for stately homes like Hampton Court Palace. Such pieces were highly sought after, inspiring countless European copies in the 18th century. This jar reflects the refined artistry that captivated collectors across the continent.
See it in person
Hampton Court vases is on display in Room 93 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and type its audio guide stop number, 592, from the gallery label, or take a photo of it, to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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