Description
A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware vase by Ryuun Fuzan, dating to circa 1890, of baluster form and decorated against a rich cobalt blue ground with four large gilt framed reserves depicting the changing seasons of the year. The deep blue ground is richly embellished with gilt chrysanthemums, scrolling foliate ornament and Greek key borders, creating a striking contrast with the softly painted panels and demonstrating the decorative richness associated with Kyoto Satsuma ware of the late nineteenth century.
One reserve depicts an elegant springtime landscape with figures gathered beside a river beneath blossoming cherry trees, the flowering branches arching over the composition and providing a delicate sense of movement. A second panel portrays figures enjoying a summer outing within an open landscape, the fresh green tones and flowering shrubs conveying the warmth and abundance of the season.
The autumn panel depicts figures strolling through a riverside setting with maturing foliage and distant hills, the subdued palette lending an atmosphere of quiet reflection. In contrast, the fourth reserve presents a winter scene, where elegantly dressed figures walk beneath a snow-covered landscape beside frozen waters and buildings blanketed in white, providing a pleasing visual counterpart to the warmth of the preceding scenes.
Encircling the body, the cobalt blue ground is finely decorated with dense gilt chrysanthemum sprays and scrolling foliage, while the shoulder and foot are finished with Greek key bands that provide balance and structure to the overall design. The vase retains a pleasing harmony between richly gilded ornament and delicately painted narrative scenes, a characteristic particularly admired in fine export Satsuma wares.
When handled, the fine micro-craquelure characteristic of quality Satsuma earthenware is clearly evident across the ivory reserves, while the intricate gilding and controlled brushwork demonstrate the skill of the decorator.
The underside bears the signature 龍雲 冨山 (Ryuun Fuzan), a workshop known for producing finely decorated Satsuma wares during the Meiji period. Fresh to the market, this Japanese Satsuma vase remains a finely decorated example of late nineteenth century Kyoto ceramics by Ryuun Fuzan.
View the full Japanese Satsuma Collection.
MEASUREMENTS
18.5cm High x 15cm Wide x 17cm Deep (7.3 x 5.9 x 6.7 Inches)
CONDITION
Good antique condition no damage or restoration, wear to the gilding in various places.
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)?
The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.
For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.
WHAT IS SATSUMA WARE?
Satsuma ware originated in southern Kyushu around 1600 and developed into one of Japan’s most recognisable ceramics. Early Ko-Satsuma pieces were rustic, dark-clay wares made for everyday use, while the later Kyo-Satsuma style became famous worldwide during the Meiji period.
Characterised by ivory crackled glaze, delicate overglaze enamels, and lavish gilding, export Satsuma appealed strongly to Western collectors. Designs often feature landscapes, flowers, figures, and scenes from Japanese life and mythology. Renowned artists such as Yabu Meizan, Ryozan, and the Kinkozan workshop produced some of the finest examples, which remain highly sought after today. Genuine Satsuma can often be identified by the Shimazu crest, artist signatures, or the mark “Dai Nippon” used during the Meiji era.
For further information on the history of Satsuma Ware please see our article Japanese Satsuma Ware.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
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With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee.
We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production.
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