A massive pair of exceptional Japanese Imari vases almost certainly made for a palace. Each is decorated with three beautifully composed landscape panels. Each panel, framed within a cartouche, shows birds of paradise, cherry blossom and other creatures perching on branches and set in idealized landscapes. The borders show an intricate and colorful decorative scheme of large peonies set on scrolling blue foliage. Both vases have lids topped with Bijin (Japanese courtly ladies). These vases date from, circa 1700.