An unusual four-lobed globular vase Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Decorated in red and black iron and gilt with two ho-o birds with their feathers trailing among clouds on the lobed body beneath two overlapping shikishi (square poem sheets) brocade embellished with leafy sprays, elaborate roundels and millefleurs extending from the neck, the shoulder with two elongated curved handles, the foot painted in pale blue with a band of repeated lappets; signed on the base with an almost entirely obliterated signature. 23cm (9in) high.