'Oriental Blossom' Black Octagonal Vase, Hand-Painted Flowers & Butterfly, c.1960–1970

This vase has decided that black is not a colour, it's a personality trait. And honestly? Fair enough.

The form is a tall octagonal column in deep black high-gloss glaze — the kind of black that absorbs light and gives nothing back, which is either very chic or very dramatic depending on your mood. Against this backdrop, someone has hand-painted a composition of white cherry blossom clusters, green leaves, and a single gold butterfly hovering in the upper corner with the casual confidence of an insect that knows it's the most interesting thing in the room. The gold rim at the opening catches the light with quiet authority.

The base is glazed in deep forest green with the series name Oriental Blossom in elegant cursive script — a name that is both a product description and a minor lifestyle aspiration. The octagonal foot ring is unglazed white, which is the only moment of honesty this vase allows itself.

Italian or possibly West German export ceramics, c.1960–1970. The combination of the lacquer-black glaze, the Japonisme-inspired decoration, and the octagonal form is characteristic of the decorative ceramics produced for the European and export market during this period.

• Octagonal column vase in deep black high-gloss glaze, c.1960–1970
• Hand-painted white cherry blossom, green leaves, and gold butterfly
• Gold rim at opening
• Base marked: Oriental Blossom in cursive script on forest green glaze
• Unglazed white octagonal foot ring
• Very good vintage condition — no chips or cracks
• 21 × 8 cm, 372 g
• Italy or West Germany, c.1960–1970

WARNING: This vase is 21 cm of pure black drama. It will make every flower you put in it look like it was professionally styled. Maison de L'oro accepts no responsibility for any subsequent floral arrangement obsession this may trigger.