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ID #SA1188782
FOR SALE
£400
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Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period
Ritas Bazaar
for sale €468     $508
£400

Ritas Bazaar

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2025
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Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

This exceptional miniature Japanese vase exemplifies the refined aesthetic and technical mastery of Kyoto Satsuma ware during the Meiji era (circa 1890–1910). Despite its small size, the piece demonstrates the level of decorative precision typically reserved for much larger vessels.

The vase presents a rich, continuous narrative in finely painted panels, depicting noble female and male figures among pine trees and stylised clouds, executed in polychrome enamels with lavish use of gilding. The central female figure — likely the bodhisattva Kannon — is accompanied by a dark, wide-eyed spirit emerging from behind, possibly a guardian or demonic presence, a common feature in Japanese Buddhist iconography. The surrounding diaper-work, floral medallions and textile-like motifs in gold highlight the meticulous brushwork and layered decoration.

Technically, the vase is crafted from fine cream stoneware with a transparent crackled glaze, typical of Kyoto Satsuma. The foot bears a rectangular reserve containing a clear gilt mark: ??? (Chosei-zo), meaning “Made by Chosei”, a known Kyoto studio artist active in the late Meiji period.

Miniature Satsuma vases of this quality are increasingly collected for both their decorative appeal and historical significance. With its compact dimensions and exquisite detail, this piece offers a rare combination of portability and museum-level artistry — a compelling addition to any serious collection or refined interior.

Measurements

Height: 10.7 cm

Diameter: 5.4 cm

Condition

Condition is excellent with no structural damage, restoration or overpainting, confirmed under UV light. The gilding remains strong and crisp across the surface, with only minimal age-appropriate wear.

Shipping & Packaging

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description.

If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them.

The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.

Shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Physical Dimensions
Height
10.7cm (4.21")
Width
5.4cm (2.13")
Depth
5.4cm (2.13")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Japanese Satsuma Miniature Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1188782
Dealers Internal Reference
B1593
Description
This exceptional miniature Japanese vase exemplifies the refined aesthetic and technical mastery of Kyoto Satsuma ware during the Meiji era (circa 1890–1910).
“
Despite its small size, the piece demonstrates the level of decorative precision typically reserved for much larger vessels.
Ritas Bazaar
fig 1. A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.
fig 1. Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period

The vase presents a rich, continuous narrative in finely painted panels, depicting noble female and male figures among pine trees and stylised clouds, executed in polychrome enamels with lavish use of gilding. The central female figure — likely the bodhisattva Kannon — is accompanied by a dark, wide-eyed spirit emerging from behind, possibly a guardian or demonic presence, a common feature in Japanese Buddhist iconography. The surrounding diaper-work, floral medallions and textile-like motifs in gold highlight the meticulous brushwork and layered decoration.

fig 2. A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.
fig 2. Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period

Technically, the vase is crafted from fine cream stoneware with a transparent crackled glaze, typical of Kyoto Satsuma. The foot bears a rectangular reserve containing a clear gilt mark: ??? (Chosei-zo), meaning “Made by Chosei”, a known Kyoto studio artist active in the late Meiji period.

fig 3. A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.
fig 3. Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period

Miniature Satsuma vases of this quality are increasingly collected for both their decorative appeal and historical significance. With its compact dimensions and exquisite detail, this piece offers a rare combination of portability and museum-level artistry — a compelling addition to any serious collection or refined interior.

fig 4. A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.
fig 4. Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period

Measurements

Height: 10.7 cm

Diameter: 5.4 cm

Condition

Condition is excellent with no structural damage, restoration or overpainting, confirmed under UV light. The gilding remains strong and crisp across the surface, with only minimal age-appropriate wear.

fig 5. A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.
fig 5. Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period

Shipping & Packaging

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description.

If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them.

The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.

Shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Height
10.7cm (4.21")
Width
5.4cm (2.13")
Depth
5.4cm (2.13")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Japanese Satsuma Miniature Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1188782
Dealers Internal Ref
B1593
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

Relevant Links
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A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.
1 / 12
Archive I A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.

Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period

Archive II A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View II
Archive III A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View III
Archive IV A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View IV
Archive V A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View V
Archive VI A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View VI
Archive VII A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View VII
Archive VIII A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View VIII
Archive IX A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View IX
Archive X A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View X
Archive XI A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View XI
Archive XII A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze. View XII
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Ritas Bazaar
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 223
Items Sold 37
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
223
Sold
37
A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.
Miniature Japanese Satsuma Vase with Signed Chosei Mark, Meiji Period
Ref: SA1188782
A miniature Meiji period Japanese Satsuma vase decorated with hand-painted figures, gilt cloud panels, and a fine crackle glaze.
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FAQs

Satsuma ware is a distinctive type of Japanese earthenware originating from Satsuma province, characterised by an ivory-tinted crackle glaze, elaborate hand-painted enamel decoration, and rich gold leaf embellishment that reached peak international popularity during the Meiji period.

Craftsmen utilised a low-fired lead-glazed earthenware base featuring fine surface crazing, over which multi-coloured enamels and thick gilding were applied by hand before undergoing low-temperature kiln firings.

Authentic pieces typically feature uniform crackle glaze without artificial distressing, precise hand painting under magnification, light wear to gold surface embellishments, and frequently bear painted or impressed maker marks on the underside.

Display the item on a dark wood mantelpiece, inside a glass cabinet, or alongside contemporary brass objects to accentuate the warm tones of the gilding within a modern setting.

Dust gently using a soft dry brush or microfiber cloth, avoiding liquid cleaners, harsh chemicals, or immersion in water, as moisture can penetrate the crackle glaze and compromise delicate surface enamels.
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