Meiji Japanese Satsuma Centrepiece Bowl by Master Shizan

Details

Description

This large and finely painted Japanese Satsuma bowl is an outstanding Meiji-period centrepiece by the renowned master Shizan, combining refined … Read more This large and finely painted Japanese Satsuma bowl is an outstanding Meiji-period centrepiece by the renowned master Shizan, combining refined artistry, generous scale and exceptional preservation. with its 25 cm diameter, softly undulating rim and beautifully balanced proportions, it has the visual presence of a true statement piece and works superbly as the focal point of a sophisticated interior.

The principal interior reserve depicts elegant court ladies in an idyllic landscape with boat, bridge, waterfall and temple architecture. The exterior continues this poetic decorative world with further bijin, pavilions, flowering trees and distant hills, creating a panoramic effect around the entire body. The quality of execution is especially strong. The faces are sensitively painted, the patterned robes are carefully and richly detailed, and the entire composition is structured with fine gilding and softly toned enamels over a luminous crackled ivory ground. The black-and-gold border adds further depth, contrast and refinement.

The underside bears the Shimazu crest above the signature 志山, read as Shizan, a respected and well-known Satsuma master whose work is appreciated for its decorative elegance and collectable quality. The bowl stands firmly within the Kyoto Satsuma tradition, celebrated for elegant female subjects, lyrical landscapes and a highly refined painterly surface.

Condition is excellent. The bowl has been examined under UV light and shows no restoration, no overpainting and no UV-detected repairs. There are no visible structural faults, the gilding remains bright and coherent, and the painted detail remains fresh throughout. This is a particularly appealing example not only because of its quality, but because it has survived in such strong condition. The carved wooden stand is included and enhances presentation very effectively.

For interior designers, this is exactly the sort of object that can define a room and hold attention immediately. For collectors, it brings together the qualities that matter most: an admired master, impressive scale, fine painting and excellent state of preservation. High-quality signed Satsuma has shown enduring demand, and pieces of this calibre remain highly desirable both as decorative objects and as long-term acquisitions.

Dimensions

Diameter: 25 cm
Height: 11.5 cm
Weight: 1533 g See less