Artwork

Decoration peculiar to old Kiyoto ware

Decoration peculiar to old Kiyoto ware, by Unknown, paint, 1877
Decoration peculiar to old Kiyoto ware, by Unknown, paint, 1877

Decoration peculiar to old Kiyoto ware is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This untitled painting, created in 1877 by an unknown artist, is a decorative design featuring bamboo, birds, and a frog on a light background. The work showcases a specific motif associated with traditional Kiyoto ware pottery.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a nature-inspired scene with multicolored bamboo leaves (red, blue, green), a spotted frog with a red tail, and birds, set against a light background. A simple outline of a white bowl is positioned above the main design elements. The composition is likely a visual representation of a traditional design used on old Kiyoto pottery, as indicated by the accompanying note.

Technique & Style

The artwork is characterized by the use of bright, flat colors and simple, careful shapes, suggesting a style that prioritizes clarity and decorative appeal over complex techniques or realistic representation.

History & Provenance

Originally part of Christopher Dresser's collection, the painting was later acquired from Miss Mary Dresser in 1905, as part of a larger group of works (D.397 to D.541-1905), and is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known