Description
Fine Japanese satsuma plate displaying a daimyo procession. The plate extensively decorated with an outer boarder of gilt greek key upon a red base surrounding a Japanese procession of the highest order featuring an army of figures in a continuous patter around the entire circumference of the plate. The march captures the elaborate display of a grand procession of a daimyo surrounded by his entourage en route to Edo (known as Tokyo today) for their biannual residence. Figures can be seen transporting weapon, ceremonial accoutrements, personal effects with some mounted upon horses and the daimyo carried in palanquins. To the centre lappets of alternating geometric patterns boarder a stunning landscape scene with a flowering river amongst a vast landscapes. A central gilt Chō mon is decorated with slight relief. The Chō mon is the Japanese crest of the butterfly belonging to the 17th century Oda family. The rear of the plate is signed with a character mark for the Seikozan 精巧山.
Notes | The Daimyo procession was a ritual journey undertaken biannually by all Daimyo when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa Dynasty during the Edo period. It was expected that all the warrior lords spent alternate years within the shogun court in the capital of Edo (Tokyo) where the Tokugawa shogunate was based (the military government of Japan. This exact procession inspired many artists to recreate renditions of this procession with the most famous probably being part of the Fifty Three Stations of the Tokaido by Utagawa Hiroshige following the imperial road from Edo to Kyoto.
Palanquins are a covered litter fitted for one passenger carried on two horizontal poles by four or six bearers, this can be seen in the lower left side carrying the Chō mon.
The Agehacho crest (Chō mon) belonged to the Oda Family. Oda Nobunaga was a powerful daimyo in the late 16th century who attempted to unify Japan during the late Civil War era. He is often regarded as ‘the first great unifier.’ One of the main Oda Family crests is the ‘Mokko-mon’ however Nobunaga actually bared 7 crests which included the Agehacho crest or the swallowtail butterfly (Chō mon). Interestingly the Agehacho was actually the Kamon of Heike, but Nobunaga insisted he was from Heike, so he used it. He insisted on it because people believed the next conqueror would be someone from Heike.
Kamon a Japanese emblem used to decorate and identify an individual, a family, or an institution or business entity.
Reference | For a near identical plate see Bonhams Fine Japanese and Korean Art 2019 Lot 328 which sold for $6325.
Measurements | 26.3cm Diameter (10.35 Inches)
Condition | Very Good, a small patch of professional restoration has been undertaken at some point which can be seen to the rear and is located to the 3 o’clock position when looking at the front, it is extremely difficult to see from the front of the piece. We strongly believe although the plate has been restored we have reflected that in the price very fairly.
