Wood and Bamboo

Flower Vase, named Sokō

  • By Sen no Sōtan
  • Japan Edo period, 17th century
  • Gourd
  • h: 44.8cm
  • [60015]

An artless tying of wisteria vine around the neck of a long thin gourd turned this natural object into a hanging flower vase. The Japanese term sōko refers to performing monkeys. The vine wrapped around the nimble grace of the vase’s form is reminiscent of the collar worn by a performing monkey.