#ashmolean museum

Skate Vase, c.1867

Christopher Dresser (British, 1834-1904) (designer), for Wedgwood, Staffordshire (manufacturer)

earthenware; moulded, enameled, gilded; H 16.5cm

Ashmolean Museum WA2015.47

Armour from Japan dated to the Early 18th Century on display at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England

This suit of armour would have been worn by Samurai and dates to the Edo period, a relatively peaceful time following the civil wars and attempted invasions of China and Korea. During this time armour became more ceremonial and ornate for higher ranking nobility with lacquered metal laced together with silk cords. The helmet of this ensemble is much older though, dating to 1560.

The armour was a gift from Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu as part of a goodwill mission from the Empire of Japan to the United Kingdom. The second son of Emperor Taishō, Chichibu and his wife, Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, attempted to foster good relations with the UK and were on good terms with the British royal family.

Pinkie Pie with the Ballon Venus (pink) by Jeff Koons.

Lapis Lazuli Ewer with Triton Mounts. Lapis Lazuli and Gold (ca. 1600–1610) Miniature ewer crafted during the height of the Renaissance interest in rare materials. The body of the vessel is carved from two pieces of deep blue lapis lazuli, likely imported to Prague from the Badakhshan mines in modern-day Afghanistan.

The Sluggard

by Lord Frederick Leighton (c. 1890)