The Collection at the BMA

Featured Works

The hot-water ewer, supported by three cloud-collar feet, is covered by red lacquer with an undercoating of black lacquer. Both the body and the neck are decorated with raised bands. The piece displays both a sense of sturdiness and gracefulness in shapes seen in Negoro ware. The large sweeping handle with stylized floral fittings and the swan-neck spout reveal the elegant design of the piece. The black lacquer underneath revealed as a result of the wear of the red lacquer is part of the aesthetics of modern Japanese folk art.

Ewer (Yuto)

Pear-Shaped Bottle (Yuhuchun) with Peonies and Lotus Petal Motifs

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Sequined, beaded flag bearing vèvè (sacred inscription) of Agaou Comble (divinity or lwa of thunder), along with Masonic and other Vodoun (Voodoo) symbolism, and the name AGAROU MANCHON (?) spelled out in sequins.

Vodou Flag or Banner

Flag depicts woman in red dress and green headwrap, holding a bottle and a knife beside a fire with a kettle holding a human head. She represents a sorceress called "caplata" (males called "bokor"). A hand holding an implement reaches down from the top of the flag toward the woman. The words San Pitie (without mercy) run across the top of the image, just in side the border, which consists of diamonds, triangles, half-circles and S-shapes.

Vodou Flag or Banner (San Pitie)

Flag depicts bearded man wearing black hat and holding cane. One pant leg is rolled up. Objects on the ground include crossed bones, skull, and bottle. To the man's right is a star with rays of light, a rattle, and a candle. Background has pale blue sequins and border has black, purple, and white diamonds, triangles, and half-circles. Figure represents "loa" Baron Samedi, but rolled up pant leg is typically a reference to Azaka, or Papa Zaka.

Vodou Flag or Banner (Baron Samedi)

Flag on pink satin depicts central motif of a monstrance against a square background of pink sequins, with a red heart in each corner of the square. Border consists of green, pink, and white diamonds, triangles, and half-circles. Monstrance motif associated with "loa" Clemezine, and St. Claire.

Vodou Flag or Banner (Clemezine)

Flag has central motif of green serpent climbing a drum against silver background. Masonic symbol of square and compass with letter G in center of drum. Two stars flank drum. Border of half-circles and other shapes in red, gold, and silver sequins. At top of flag, inside border, the word HOUNTOR in blue and red sequins against gold background.

Vodou Flag or Banner (Hountor)

Flag depicts two gold snakes flanking a chalice. A circle with a cross sits atop the chalice, representing an egg and also the bread of the sacrament of holy communion. Flag is initialled "G.V." and is probably made by George Valris who later signed his works "Valris." Leaf forms float in the background. The words DAM BALA in block letters located in diagonal bands on either side of the central image.

Vodou Flag or Banner (Dambala)

White V-shape and inverted V-shape juxtaposed on brown background, with blue diamond shape with white chevron pattern forming the center. Two green snakes flank central motif. Flag design incorporates the "veve" patterns of both the "loas" Damballah and Aizan; names AIZAN DAMBALA in blue block letters on white band across top of flag. Border of green half circles against purple background.

Vodou Flag or Banner (Aizan Dambala)

Flag bears the traditional "veve" pattern of the "loa" Damballah. Depicts two snakes, with an egg between them. Two leafy plants flank the snakes, and flag is bordered by alternating red and blue triangles.

Vodou Flag or Banner (Damballah)

Flag bears two green snakes, "veve" of Damballah. They flank a stylized heart referring to Erzulie Freda. Other symbols are the asson and cup, star, and bull's head which represents the "loa" Bossou.

Vodou Flag or Banner (Damballah)

Flag depicts St. Patrick at center, flanked by snakes representing Damballah, with church to right, signed "OLDOF." Silver background bordered by red and black triangles with yellow and green triangles in the corners.

Vodou Flag or Banner (Damballah/St Patrick)