A beautifully matched pair of Japanese Satsuma vases from the late Meiji period, circa 1890, decorated with refined figural scenes of courtly ladies in landscape settings. The painting shows confident line work, softly modelled faces and finely detailed robes.The painted reserves are set against a deep black, lacquer-like ground, densely enriched with gilt chrysanthemum and scrolling ornament. A cobalt-blue band at the shoulder and gilded lips frame the openings, giving the pair a strong and balanced decorative presence.The bases bear gilt marks reading ?? (Satsuma) and ??? (Hodota), together with the circular Shimazu crest. The Hodota name is associated with Hodota Shoten, a Yokohama trading house linked with high-quality Meiji Satsuma made for export.Condition is very strong. One vase is in superb condition with minimal wear to the gilding at the rim. The second has a very fine hairline visible only on the interior; it does not run through the body, is not visible externa...