Japan, Arita, Edo period, late 17th/early 18th century Pair of blue-white porcelain octagonal covered vases decorated on the body with shishi running under pine and bamboo and phoenix (hô-ô) amidst clouds (in the form of a ruyi), medallions alternately containing a bird or a flower on a background of peony scrolls decorating the shoulder and lid, Alternating motifs of flowers and fruit on each side of the neck and rim of the lid, friezes of lotus panels and hearts at the foot, the upper part of the lid in the shape of a lotus bud. H. 47.5 cm The grips of the two lids glued back together, one lid with two chips, one restored, and chips to the lips.