What defines Meiji period Kyoto Satsuma pottery?

Kyoto Satsuma pottery produced during the Meiji period (18681912) is characterised by light earthenware bodies featuring delicate crackle glazes, elaborate polychrome enamel decorations, and extensive gilding, often created by noted workshops such as Kinkozan for international export.

What materials and construction techniques are used in Satsuma ceramics?

Satsuma vessels are crafted from a cream-toned earthenware body coated in a clear lead glaze that forms a network of fine crackles, decorated with overglaze enamels and applied gold paint.

How can authentic Meiji Satsuma pottery be identified?

Authentic examples display dense hand-painted detail, light gilding wear consistent with age, natural glaze crackle without heavy chemical staining, and workshop marks painted or impressed onto the base.

How can a Satsuma vase be styled in a modern interior?

Position the vase as a focal point on a sideboard or mantelpiece, contrasting its intricate gold detailing and warm tones against neutral walls or modern dark timber surfaces.

How should antique Satsuma pottery be preserved?

Dust gently using a dry, soft brush or microfibre cloth, keeping the surface clear of water immersion or harsh chemicals that could dissolve or wear away delicate surface enamels and gilding.

for sale €6,435 $6,985

£5,500

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Id #SA1214389

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Exceptional Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase by the Kinkōzan Workshop

Name: Exceptional Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase by the Kinkōzan Workshop
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1214389
Price: 5500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

An exceptional Japanese Kyoto Satsuma vase from the late Meiji period, made by the celebrated Kinkōzan workshop of Kyoto, distinguished by its unusually refined execution, rare rounded form and beautifully preserved surface decoration. This is not an ordinary export Satsuma vase, but a highly decorative and technically accomplished object, made with the care, balance and visual richness associated with one of the finest Kyoto workshops of the late nineteenth century.

The vase is decorated with a continuous naturalistic composition of birds, flowers, butterflies and insects, set against a warm cream ground covered with an extraordinarily dense field of fine gilt dots. The effect is luminous and delicate: the gold does not merely decorate the surface, but creates depth, movement and atmosphere around the painted subjects. The birds are especially finely handled, with carefully shaded wings and lively posture, while the flowers are enriched with raised moriage details of remarkable proportion and restraint. The upper neck is encircled by a richly worked brocade-style band, combining raised gilding, coloured enamels and textile-like ornament.

The base bears the mark of the famous Kinkōzan workshop, visible both in the impressed mark and in the inscription around the foot. Kinkōzan was among the most respected names in Kyoto Satsuma, and the quality of the decoration, the technical confidence and the refined use of gilding fully correspond to this prestigious Meiji-period studio.

The condition is highly attractive overall. There are two small chips to the lower foot rim, one small reattached piece at the lower rim, one small chip to the upper rim and one small circular enamel chip to the body. These imperfections are minor, largely unobtrusive in display, and do not disturb the exceptional overall impression of the vase. The colours and gilding remain remarkably fresh, giving the piece a uniquely beautiful and complete visual presence.

The original carved wooden stand is included. Together, the vase and stand form a striking display object: not simply a decorative antique, but a refined piece of Japan’s Meiji-period cultural and artistic heritage.

Dimensions:

Height: 19 cm

Diameter of body: 17.5 cm

Diameter of upper opening: 7.2 cm

Weight: 1068 g

Wooden stand included.

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. Delivery is included in the price. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.

Physical Dimensions

Height

19cm (7.48")

Width

17.5cm (6.89")

Depth

7.2cm (2.83")

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Meiji Period Satsuma Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1214389

Dealers Internal Reference

B1728

Description

The vase is decorated with a continuous naturalistic composition of birds, flowers, butterflies and insects, set against a warm cream ground covered with an extraordinarily dense field of fine gilt dots.

“

The effect is luminous and delicate: the gold does not merely decorate the surface, but creates depth, movement and atmosphere around the painted subjects.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

The birds are especially finely handled, with carefully shaded wings and lively posture, while the flowers are enriched with raised moriage details of remarkable proportion and restraint. The upper neck is encircled by a richly worked brocade-style band, combining raised gilding, coloured enamels and textile-like ornament.

fig 1. A bulbous Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring a cream crackle glaze, intricate floral gilding, birds, and a carved dark wooden display stand. — fig 1. Exceptional Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase by the Kinkōzan Workshop

The base bears the mark of the famous Kinkōzan workshop, visible both in the impressed mark and in the inscription around the foot. Kinkōzan was among the most respected names in Kyoto Satsuma, and the quality of the decoration, the technical confidence and the refined use of gilding fully correspond to this prestigious Meiji-period studio.

fig 2. A bulbous Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring a cream crackle glaze, intricate floral gilding, birds, and a carved dark wooden display stand. — fig 2. Exceptional Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase by the Kinkōzan Workshop

The condition is highly attractive overall. There are two small chips to the lower foot rim, one small reattached piece at the lower rim, one small chip to the upper rim and one small circular enamel chip to the body. These imperfections are minor, largely unobtrusive in display, and do not disturb the exceptional overall impression of the vase. The colours and gilding remain remarkably fresh, giving the piece a uniquely beautiful and complete visual presence.

fig 3. A bulbous Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring a cream crackle glaze, intricate floral gilding, birds, and a carved dark wooden display stand. — fig 3. Exceptional Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase by the Kinkōzan Workshop

The original carved wooden stand is included. Together, the vase and stand form a striking display object: not simply a decorative antique, but a refined piece of Japan’s Meiji-period cultural and artistic heritage.

fig 4. A bulbous Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring a cream crackle glaze, intricate floral gilding, birds, and a carved dark wooden display stand. — fig 4. Exceptional Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase by the Kinkōzan Workshop

Dimensions:

Height: 19 cm

Diameter of body: 17.5 cm

Diameter of upper opening: 7.2 cm

Weight: 1068 g

Wooden stand included.

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. Delivery is included in the price. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.