Description
Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase by Kinkozan, dating to the Meiji period circa 1910. The vase is of the iconic Kinkozan ovoid bottle form with a compressed body, narrow pinched neck and rolled top rim, extensively decorated against a rich cobalt blue ground with gilt and polychrome enamel decoration throughout.
The upper section is decorated with dense gilt scrollwork incorporating traditional fan shaped cartouches containing flowering foliage and blossoming seasonal flowers painted in soft polychrome enamels. Each reserve is intercepted by tightly worked geometric borders, creating a structured decorative band around the shoulder while allowing the cobalt ground to remain visible beneath the gilding.
Below, the main body is encircled by a continuous panoramic landscape scene featuring pine trees, traditional buildings, lakeside figures and fishermen arranged across a broad natural setting. The figures are painted in varied traditional robes with finely detailed facial expressions and garments, including a fisherman depicted beside a small pond in partially exposed dress.. The landscape moves fluidly around the body of the vase, creating an animated narrative scene rather than isolated panel decoration.
The lower third of the vase is finished with further gilt borders, unusual vertical patterned ornament, fan shaped cartouches and additional floral sprays worked against the cobalt blue ground. Fine stippled gilding throughout the surface creates depth and tonal variation while retaining the balanced decorative control associated with Kinkozan workshop production during the late Meiji period.
The underside bears the traditional Kinkozan mark reading 錦光山造 (“Kinkozan made”), identifying the most recognised Kyoto Satsuma workshop producing wares for both domestic and export markets during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
The vase is a strong example of later Meiji period Kinkozan Satsuma combining the workshop’s characteristic cobalt blue ground, densely controlled gilding and continuous figural landscape decoration.
View the full Japanese Satsuma Vase Collection.
Measurements
17cm High x 9.5cm Diameter (6.7 x 3.75 Inches)
Condition
Excellent antique condition
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.
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.
Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com.
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.
Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.
