An impressive Japanese gilt and enamel floor vase signed Arita-Yaki, 20th century, of baluster shape, the central cartouche theme of Botan-shishi or peony and Shishi (Foo dog), a traditional decorative theme in Japanese Art seen as symbolic of nobility and authority. The background in a combination of scrolling grasses and flowers in both underglaze blue and overglaze gold enamel. Cover with continuing theme and tama (buddhist pearl) finial, 86 cm high. Provenance: The collection of a curator and collector, New South Wales. Other Notes: The shishi, lion-dog, is the guardian of temples and the peony is regarded as the King of flowers.