Edo period (1615-1868), early 18th century Each decorated in typical palette of underglaze blue, iron-red and gilt enamels with an identical design, the body with four large elaborately shaped panels enclosing a ho-o bird in flight alternating with a leaping carp, on a ground of flowering peony and karakusa ('Chinese grasses'), the shoulder with four smaller shield shaped panels depicting an exotic long-tailed bird alternating with a prancing kirin; the short neck with semi-circular floral motifs, the decoration on the en-suite domed covers echoing that of the shoulder and surmounted by a finial in the form of a shishi (Chinese mythological lion dog) on a rock. Each vase: 64cm (25¼in) high. (4).