Description
From our Japanese Satsuma, we are pleased to offer this fine Meiji period Satsuma vase by Kinkozan.
Of tall baluster form, the vase is finished in a rich cobalt ground and decorated in overglaze enamels with fine gilt detailing. The body features two large opposing panels framed by scrolling floral borders, each painted with a distinct seasonal theme. One side depicts a bijin in a blue and gold kimono standing in a flower garden with chrysanthemums, peonies and daisies, her fan decorated with a crane, symbol of longevity. Behind her, tall bamboo stalks rise above the foliage. The reverse shows an elaborate garden scene with a rooster and hen among flowers and wisteria, with warbling birds and a golden pheasant perched on a rocky outcrop.
The sides of the vase are fitted with moulded shishi dog handles with pierced gilt rings, symbolising guardianship and protection. Decorative gilt borders continue up the neck and around the base in harmony with the enamelled design.
Signed to the underside in gilt with the characters for Kyoto Kinkozan sei (京都金光山製造), the vase dates to the late Meiji period, circa 1890.
An exceptional example of Japanese Satsuma ware by Kinkozan, combining superb enamel work with strong Meiji iconography and export-era design.
ABOUT 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.
ABOUT 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.
About SATSUMA WARE
Satsuma ware originated in southern Kyūshū 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 Kyō-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 Kinkōzan 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.
MEASUREMENTS
30.25cm High x 14.5cm Diameter (11.9 x 5.7 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent Condition – minor gilt wear consistent with age
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.
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