Description
This Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Daimyo Procession Vase by Kinkozan dates to the Meiji period (1868-1912). Of compressed form, the vase is raised on a circular foot with broad sloping shoulders rising into a tall waisted neck and flared rim.
The body is finely painted with a continuous daimyo procession (daimyo gyoretsu), extending around the full circumference of the vase. At the centre, a young nobleman rides a white horse with ceremonial trappings, surrounded by attendants, retainers and officials dressed in richly patterned robes. Other figures carry banners, staffs and ceremonial luggage boxes, while groups of attendants in pale robes form part of the procession. Two imperial pink lanterns carried on tall poles bear the characters 奉迎 (Hōgei), referring to the ceremonial act of respectfully welcoming or receiving an important person.
The figures are painted in polychrome enamels with extensive gilt detailing across the robes, horse tack and accessories. The procession is set against a graduated grey ground covered with fine gilt stippling, becoming increasingly dense towards the neck. A geometric gilt border encircles the flared rim, while the lower body is separated by a narrow gilt band.
The underside is decorated with scattered polychrome and gilt star motifs surrounding the circular foot. The base bears the Kinkozan mark within a rectangular seal.
View the full Japanese Satsuma Vase Collection.
MEASUREMENTS
11cm High x 11cm Diameter (4.33 x 4.33 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent antique condition, no damage no restoration.
Provenance
Private Japanese Satsuma collection
What is a daimyo gyoretsu?
A daimyo gyoretsu (feudal lord procession) refers to the ceremonial, highly structured journeys undertaken by Japanese daimyo (regional warlords) during the Edo and Meiji periods. Central to the sankin kotai system enforced by the Tokugawa shogunate, feudal lords were required to alternate their residence between their home domains and the capital of Edo, travelling in magnificent overland caravans designed to display their power, wealth, and status.
What is 奉迎(Hōgei)?
The kanji characters 奉迎 (Hōgei) translate directly to welcoming or respectfully receiving a person of high status. Derived from classical Sino-Japanese etiquette, the term combines hō (to offer or serve respectfully) and gei (to greet or receive). Historically, the word was reserved for formal state ceremonies, imperial visits, or the official reception of high ranking dignitaries and feudal lords.
In late nineteenth-century Japanese fine art, displaying Hōgei on processional paper lanterns signals a specific narrative context. Rather than representing a standard sankin kotai march between Edo and regional domains, the inclusion of Hōgei lanterns identifies the scene as an official welcoming party or imperial reception, where an entourage sets out to greet an arriving lord, prince, or high official with full ceremonial honours.
WHO WAS KINKOZAN 金光山?
the Kinkozan family have been associated with pottery dating back to 1645. They went on to become the largest producer of Satsuma ware by one individual company, from the end of the 19th century until 1927 after which the factory closed. By the 1850s Kobayashi Sobei (1824-84), Kinkozan Sobei (artist name Kinkozan IV), started to export his products together with the Kyoto manufacturer Taizan VIII. The main target market was America with their main production period approximately between 1875-1927 under the leadership of Kinkozan V(1868-1927).
For further information please see our Makers and Retailers page on Kinkozan.
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.
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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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