Types of Large Vases

Chinese Vases

• The popularity of flower-arranging going back thousands of years gave rise to the popularity of large vases in China. Many surviving ones are considered extremely valuable works of art. Basic styles include beaker vase and the yen-yen vase, which have a flared lip and a bulge in the middle; the elongated bottle form vase, with round body and long neck; and the rouleau vase with sloping sholders and a long cylindrical body.

  The double gourd vase looks like two gourds with one stacked on top of the other. The mei ping vase has a small neck and rounded upper body. Jar-shaped vases and amphoras were also common. Ornamentation included ornate paintings.

Japanese vases

• Floral arrangements were popular in Japan as well; ikebana is the most famous. Craftsmen made tall vases for the arrangements and for home decor. In Japan, the mei p'ing vase is used to hold just one exquisite flower, but there are also square vases, covered vases, mallet-shaped vases, pear-shaped vases and beaker vases. A prime example of a large vase dating back to the 18th or 19th century was 2 feet tall and covered in a foil cloisonné design of cherry blossoms and goldfish.

Modern Large Vases

• Many crystal companies offer cut-glass large vases that work well in a formal dining room or living room, with or without flowers. Large pottery vases add a rustic but graceful look that goes well with a country decor. Colors include brown or terra-cotta, cream and yellow. Large pottery vases work well for displaying tall dried grasses.

Repurposing

• The Greek pithari and amphora, originally meant to hold olive oil or grain, make excellent large vases. They have a simple elegance despite their size and weight. A place on the floor, noticeable but out of the way of foot traffic, might be best for them. Tall colorful branches, such as those of the red dogwood, suit them. You can use a copper ewer or tall ceramic pitcher as a large vase as well.