Yabu Meizan 藪 明山
Yabu Meizan 藪 明山 (1853-1934) was born in Nagahori, Osaka, on the Japanese island of Honshu. He established his workshop in 1880, employing and training artists to decorate ceramics sourced from the kiln of Chin Jukan in Satsuma province. Meizan gained recognition for his participation in various exhibitions, earning a bronze medal at the Fourteenth Kyoto Exhibition in 1885. His work has also been featured in exhibitions from the Khalili Collections and several museums.
Close up of a Yabu Meizan satsuma vase previously sold by Jacksons Antique
During a visit to Meizan’s workshop, American art museum founder Charles Parsons noted in his book Notes of a Trip Around the World (1894-1895) that “He is very celebrated. He had 17 men and boys at work, all decorating. He makes the designs and watches them carefully in executing the work. Some are very wonderful workers. All is order, neatness, and silence; no words spoken.” Throughout his lifetime, Yabu Meizan became one of the most renowned and talented Satsuma artists of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). His pieces are highly sought after and continue to command strong prices in the market.
