Large Japanese Satsuma Ceramic Vase Kinkozan

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A large Japanese ceramic vase from the end of Meiji period circa 1890-1910s by Kinkozan (1645-1927). One of the largest … Read more A large Japanese ceramic vase from the end of Meiji period circa 1890-1910s by Kinkozan (1645-1927). One of the largest studio manufacturers of the export ceramics at the time based in Kyoto. In the typical style of satsuma made at the turn of 20th century, the vase is elaborately decorated with a rather unusual kinran-de (gold paint) and green enamel highlight on a mottled brown background. The painterly decoration depicts a large seasonal floral arrangement in a circular fashion. Besides the obviously superb craftsmanship, what sets this particular vase apart from many lower quality and mass-produced pieces is its tone-on-tone color pallet that is visually somber and the small and sensitive details that heralds the change of the seasons. When the viewer goes beyond the first casual glimpse of the blossom and foliage, one would notice that on the edges of certain leaves as well as along the stalks, there accumulates a very thin layer of the white dust that represents the frost. The flower in bloom are chrysanthemums. Despite of being splendid, they are the messengers of the autumn. The large lotus leaf was subtly rendered in a bended and slightly withered manner, just past its prime. Although the lotus is still in bloom, the prominent seed pod indicates it may be the last for the season. The sentimental capture of the change of the seasons is not unusual in Japanese art. This vase poetically represents such a subtle transition from summer to fall, perhaps depicting the very first frost.
The neck of the vase is also slightly unusual with two rolled rings that opens up to a flared mouth with inner grooves. From the shoulder upwards, it was decorated in four patterns including scrolling, fish scale, archaic cloud (Greek key) and foliage motifs. The base is also decorated with scrolling patterns in keeping with the traditional satsuma ware aethetic.
The base was drilled historically for lamp base through a signature that partially reads Signed "Japan, Kyoto, Made by Kinkozan". It retains an old paper sticker from gallery where it was originally purchased. See less