The Imari Vase

April 14, 2011 by DickH Posted in History, Lowell 2 Comments

Tony Sampas sent these photos of the Imari Vase on display at the Pollard Memorial Library along with the following information:

“The Imari porcelain vase, standing over 5 feet high, was made in Arita Japan, by the artisan Kanzo. It was believed to be the largest porcelain specimen produced in Japan, and was exhibited at the Columbian Exposition in 1893, the Pan American Exposition in 1901, and later at the Paris Exposition. The dancers on the vase are depicted performing the Flower Festival Dance, and illustrate the costumes of 17th-century Japan. The vase was purchased by Lowell businessman and philanthropist Freeman Ballard Shedd, and presented to the city library in 1909.” -Pollard memorial Library

2 Responses to The Imari Vase

  1. PaulM says:

    One of the extraordinary artworks in Lowell. Years ago I saw a book titled something like 100 treasures of Boston with photographs of objects, buildings, etc. that are the special “things” of Boston that give Boston as a place its character

    I’ve started working on a similar book about Lowell. What things would you put on the list? The list can include a product (old or current, e.g. Father John’s Medicine), a statue or sculpture or painting (Passaconaway statue in Edson Cemetery), a building (City Hall), a monument or plaque (Ladd & Whitney), a place (Pawtucket Falls), etc.

  2. Tony Sampas says:

    The Sun Building and it’s Neon Sign
    The Kerouac Commemorative
    The Pollard Memorial Library
    The Grotto at the Franco American School
    The First Congregational Church, now the Smith Baker Center
    The Boott Mills
    The Owl Diner
    The Olympia Restaurant
    The Snack Bar in the Basement of City Hall
    The Clock in Kearney Square