Description
This Japanese Satsuma vase by Kobayashi Keizan dates to the Meiji period, circa 1900, and is decorated to an exceptionally high standard with finely painted continuous landscapes arranged in horizontal bands around the body. Of elegant ovoid form with a pinched neck and rolled rim, the vase combines richly gilded borders with finely painted naturalistic scenes.
The decoration is divided by richly gilded Greek key borders which create a series of horizontal bands, yet the painted compositions unusually flow across these divisions. Flowering plants, grasses and foliage overlap the borders, giving the decoration a continuous movement around the vase rather than confining each scene within individual panels.
Among the principal motifs are a pair of chickens beneath tall grasses, surrounded by an abundance of butterflies. Throughout the vase are carefully observed seasonal flowers including Sakura (Cherry Blossom), Kiku (Chrysanthemum) and Kosumosu (Cosmos), set amongst flowering grasses against softly gilt cloud forms and delicately stippled ivory grounds. The landscape continues uninterrupted around the body with flowering shrubs, woven fencing and flowering trees.
The shoulder and foot are richly decorated with floral borders incorporating further chrysanthemums and blossoms, enclosed by finely executed gilt Greek key bands. The underside bears Keizan’s gilt seal mark, identifying the vase as the work of Kobayashi Keizan (景山).
Keizan was a highly regarded decorator who worked for the renowned Kinkozan studio during the Meiji period. This example, however, was completed and signed under his own name rather than for the Kinkozan workshop.
View the full Japanese Satsuma Collection.
MEASUREMENTS
19cm High x 9cm Diameter (7.5 x 3.54 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent antique condition, no restoration.
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.
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