A HIRADO PORCELAIN VASE WITH CICADAPorcelain Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The vase of a beautiful white color with an uneven wavy surface, simulating the surface of tree bark. A small naturalistically molded cicada in a brownish glaze with a slight blue hue is seated on top of the vase, which is highly contrasting to the pure white ‘hirado glaze’ of the conical vase. Usually this depiction is found with the cicada in the same colour of the vase, displaying the act of camouflage. Interestingly however, in this case the cicada is either about to adapt to the color of the vase or is unable to do so - a clever touch by the artist. Shape: Conical vase with a circular base and slightly tapered neck and uneven mouthDimensions: Height 20 cmCondition: Mint conditionProvenance: American private collectionAuction result comparison: A similar vase was sold at Christie’s Online only, Japanese craftsmanship: Art of the Meiji period, 9-23 July 2015, lot 56