Japanese Satsuma Vase Pair, Wisteria and Lake Landscape, Boxed, C.1910–1920

A pair of small Japanese Satsuma vases, preserved together with the original padded fitted box in which they were sold. Each vase is of ovoid form with a profiled neck and a spreading foot, the cream body covered by a fine, even crackle.

The decoration is hand-painted in overglaze enamels with generous gilding and forms a continuous landscape. Flowering wisteria hangs from above, a vermilion torii stands at the shore, and beyond the water the roofs of a temple and a pagoda rise among pines and maples. A pleasure boat carrying figures in kimono lies at the landing, travellers with parasols climb a hillside path, and irises grow at the water's edge. The shoulder is banded with a nishikide brocade border of overlapping fan-shaped segments in rose, sky blue, ochre and iron red, each filled with engraved gilding. The interior of the neck carries a black and gold key-fret band. The two vases form a mirrored pair rather than a repetition of the same design.

The quality of the work is very high. The landscape is painted by an experienced master: a confident fine line, carefully worked faces and figures, precise placement of the gilt outlines and impeccably controlled engraving through the gold of the brocade band. Both vases were conceived as a single composition, which demanded a unified idea and considerable discipline of execution.

The underside of each vase bears, in gold, the crest of the Shimazu clan — a cross within a circle — above a black rectangular cartouche framed in gold containing two gold characters, 日本, Nihon, meaning Japan. On the outer wall of each foot the character 八, "eight", is painted in black, most probably a workshop model number. The cream body with its fine crackle, the delicate brushwork, the engraved gilding and the nishikide brocade borders are characteristic of the Kyō-Satsuma tradition, circa 1910–1920.

Collector interest in genuine Satsuma continues to grow steadily. These are not only an ornament for any interior but a sound investment: prices for authentic hand-painted and gilded pieces rise from year to year, and well-preserved pairs, particularly in their original box, are becoming increasingly scarce.

Dimensions

Vase 1: 15.3 cm high; 8.7 cm diameter; 300 g.

Vase 2: 15.3 cm high; 8.7 cm diameter; 274 g.

Condition

Excellent. UV inspection confirms the absence of restoration, overpainting, chips and cracks. Minor rubbing to the gilding on the rim and foot. The fine crazing of the glaze is inherent to this type of ceramic and is not a fault. The original box is complete and closes properly; the covering fabric and lining show signs of age.

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 handling, packaging and postage.