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ID #SA1188784
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Fine Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase by Chosei, Kyoto C.1890 — Family Scene
Ritas Bazaar
Id #SA1188784
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Fine Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase by Chosei, Kyoto C.1890 — Family Scene

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

An exceptional Meiji-era miniature Satsuma vase by Chosei, Kyoto, circa 1890–1900, finely enamelled with a domestic scene of a family at leisure. The composition includes a seated man and woman with a child between them, surrounded by meticulously painted tea utensils, lacquered trays, and ceramic wares — all rendered with the highest precision in polychrome enamels and gilt.

This vase exemplifies the Kyoto school’s export aesthetics: refined craftsmanship, subtle emotional expression, and tight detail. The figures are set within a traditional architectural frame, likely a veranda, with landscape glimpses in the background. The surrounding patterns, including floral and textile motifs, show precise brushwork and controlled use of gold, typical of Chosei’s workshop.

Particularly noteworthy is the use of raised gold dotwork across the composition — a demanding decorative technique famously employed by Yabu Meizan. The presence of this gold pointillism places the vase within the upper tier of Satsuma production, representing the most refined export wares of the Meiji period.

The red painted signature cartouche reads “Chosei-zo” (???), painted over the glaze.

Highly collectible, such vases appeal to both Satsuma connoisseurs and interior designers. Their compact size makes them ideal for display, while the iconography offers timeless appeal.

Measurements

Height: 10.7 cm

Diameter: 5.4 cm

Condition

The piece remains in excellent condition, verified under UV light. No cracks, chips or restorations; the gilding is well-preserved with only minor age-related rubbing.

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 Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1188784
Dealers Internal Reference
B1595
Description
An exceptional Meiji-era miniature Satsuma vase by Chosei, Kyoto, circa 1890–1900, finely enamelled with a domestic scene of a family at leisure. The composition includes a seated man and woman with a child between them, surrounded by meticulously painted tea utensils, lacquered trays, and ceramic wares — all rendered with the highest precision in polychrome enamels and gilt.
This vase exemplifies the Kyoto school’s export aesthetics: refined craftsmanship, subtle emotional expression, and tight detail.
Ritas Bazaar

The figures are set within a traditional architectural frame, likely a veranda, with landscape glimpses in the background. The surrounding patterns, including floral and textile motifs, show precise brushwork and controlled use of gold, typical of Chosei’s workshop.

fig 1. A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders.
fig 1. Fine Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase by Chosei, Kyoto C.1890 — Family Scene

Particularly noteworthy is the use of raised gold dotwork across the composition — a demanding decorative technique famously employed by Yabu Meizan. The presence of this gold pointillism places the vase within the upper tier of Satsuma production, representing the most refined export wares of the Meiji period.

fig 2. A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders.
fig 2. Fine Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase by Chosei, Kyoto C.1890 — Family Scene

The red painted signature cartouche reads “Chosei-zo” (???), painted over the glaze.

Highly collectible, such vases appeal to both Satsuma connoisseurs and interior designers. Their compact size makes them ideal for display, while the iconography offers timeless appeal.

fig 3. A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders.
fig 3. Fine Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase by Chosei, Kyoto C.1890 — Family Scene

Measurements

Height: 10.7 cm

Diameter: 5.4 cm

Condition

The piece remains in excellent condition, verified under UV light. No cracks, chips or restorations; the gilding is well-preserved with only minor age-related rubbing.

fig 4. A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders.
fig 4. Fine Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase by Chosei, Kyoto C.1890 — Family Scene

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 Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1188784
Dealers Internal Ref
B1595
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

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

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A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders.
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Archive I A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders.

Fine Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase by Chosei, Kyoto C.1890 — Family Scene

Archive II A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View II
Archive III A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View III
Archive IV A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View IV
Archive V A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View V
Archive VI A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View VI
Archive VII A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View VII
Archive VIII A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View VIII
Archive IX A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View IX
Archive X A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View X
Archive XI A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View XI
Archive XII A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 223
Items Sold 37
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
223
Sold
37
A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders.
Fine Meiji Satsuma Miniature Vase by Chosei, Kyoto c.1890 — Family Scene
Ref: SA1188784
A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware miniature vase with cream crackle glaze, hand-painted domestic figures, and gilded geometric borders.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Satsuma ware is a style of Japanese earthenware characteristically recognised by a yellowish cream-coloured glaze with fine surface crackling, decorated with detailed enamels and gilt highlights. During the Meiji period (18681912), production expanded for international export, incorporating intricate figurative panels and complex geometric patterns.

The core material is low-fired earthenware glazed in a cream tone that naturally crackles during the cooling process. Artisans applied polychrome enamels and liquid gold leaf by hand, followed by secondary low-temperature firings to fix the fine decorative details.

Authentic pieces exhibit extremely fine, dense crackle glaze, intricate hand-painted detail, and heavy gilded accents. Many authentic late nineteenth-century items bear painted or incised artist signatures, studio marks, or Shimazu crest symbols on the underside.

Miniature Satsuma vessels display well within glass curio cabinets, on curated bookshelves, or positioned alongside dark timber surfaces and neutral stone accents. Positioning intricate ceramic art against simple backgrounds highlights the detailed gilding and paintwork.

Dust gently using a dry, soft microfibre cloth or soft-bristled brush. Avoid soaking earthenware in water or using liquid detergents, as moisture can penetrate the crackle glaze and compromise over-glaze enamel or gilding.
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