Description
This Japanese Satsuma vase by Kinkozan dates to the Meiji period, circa 1885, and is potted in a classic bottle form with a waisted neck, gently flared rim and rounded body. The deep cobalt blue ground is richly decorated in gilt and centred by two finely painted oval reserves. Signed to the underside in gold with the three character Kinkozan mark, 金光山, it is an excellent example of the factory’s work during the late nineteenth century.
The neck is decorated with alternating geometric bands above densely gilded floral scrollwork and stylised foliage which continues across the shoulders and around the body. The cobalt blue ground is extensively decorated in gilt, with scrolling foliage, floral ornament and stylised landscape motifs leaving very little of the blue ground exposed. A finely gilded border frames each painted reserve before continuing around the body.
One reserve depicts a lively group of children playing musical instruments. A young figure carries a large drum while another plays a flute, accompanied by a child striking a drum with drumsticks. Their brightly coloured robes are enriched with gilt decoration and set against a finely speckled ivory ground scattered with gilt dots, a characteristic feature of Kinkozan Satsuma wares.
The opposing reserve depicts a bijin seated with two young children as she reads from an illustrated book. Household furnishings appear in the background, creating an intimate domestic scene which contrasts with the musical procession on the opposite side. The figures are painted with delicate facial features and finely detailed kimono, set against the same softly speckled ivory ground with scattered gilt decoration.
The underside bears the gilt three character mark for Kinkozan, 金光山. Dating to circa 1885, the vase remains in exceptional condition with the richly gilded decoration and finely painted reserves well preserved throughout.
View the full Japanese Satsuma Vase Collection.
MEASUREMENTS
9cm High x 6cm Diameter (3.54 x 2.36 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.
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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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