Japanese Satsuma Vase by Hozan

Description

This Japanese Satsuma vase by Hozan dates to circa 1900 and reflects the late Meiji period output of Kyoto based studios working for the export market.

The vase of unusual shape in bottle form with a garlic-shaped neck is extensively decorated throughout with raised enamels and polychrome colours. Starting from the top, the rim and upper neck are hand painted with lappets featuring geometric patterns above a band of Takaramono (宝物, “precious things”) including takarazukushi (all treasures), which include Daikoku’s mallet, treasure sack (money bag), scrolls, coral branch and wish-granting jewel, among others. Below this band is a further geometric border matching the top rim.

The body of the vase features two finely painted panels. The first depicts a lively karako (唐子) parade, with Chinese-style boys dancing, clapping, and playing in celebration, each figure rendered with expressive detail and symbolic okimono. The reverse scene shows a scholarly audience, likely inspired by Chinese literati traditions, with robed officials and sages engaged in writing, study and discussion within a richly detailed interior setting. Both scenes are framed by ornate borders featuring potted plants, tasselled baskets, and geometric scrollwork. The artist’s signature 豊山 (Hozan) appears to one side of the panel.

The underside is also signed 豊山 (Hozan), confirming the Kyoto-based artist, active during the late Meiji period (1868-1912). The vase is a highly accomplished work of Satsuma ware in an uncommon and elegant form, notable for its meticulous detail, rich decoration, and refined Meiji period aesthetic.

See more from our Japanese Satsuma Collection.

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LEARN ABOUT KARAKO 唐子

Karako refers to Chinese-style children, usually boys, shown in playful or lively scenes. In Japanese art, the Karako-asobi (唐子遊び) or “children playing” motif became especially popular. It typically depicts groups of children engaged in games, festivals, or everyday activities such as flying kites, chasing butterflies, playing with toys, or dancing.

LEARN ABOUT Takaramono 宝物 and takarazukushi (all treasures)

Takaramono (宝物, “precious things”) are a collection of, often fantastical, sacred Japanese treasures symbolising good fortune, wealth, protection, and longevity. Frequently featured together in a pattern called takarazukushi (all treasures), these symbols are commonly found on textiles, ceramics, and New Year’s items.

-Daikoku’s Mallet
打出の小槌 (Uchide no Kozuchi)
The magic mallet of Daikokuten, associated with wealth, good fortune, and the granting of wishes.

Treasure Sack or Money Bag
宝袋 (Takarabukuro)
A tied brocade bag representing stored wealth, prosperity, and abundance.

Scrolls
巻物 (Makimono)
Symbolic of knowledge, learning, and scholarly success. Common in auspicious groupings.

Coral Branch
珊瑚 (Sango)
Red coral is a long established symbol of protection, longevity, and good fortune.

Wish Granting Jewel
如意宝珠 (Nyoi Hōju)
The sacred flaming jewel from Buddhist tradition symbolising the granting of desires and spiritual power.

Learn ABOUT THE 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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