Meiji Kyoto Satsuma Vase with Stand from Kinkōzan Workshop

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Description

An exceptional Japanese Kyoto Satsuma vase from the late Meiji period, made by the celebrated Kinkōzan workshop of Kyoto, presented … Read more An exceptional Japanese Kyoto Satsuma vase from the late Meiji period, made by the celebrated Kinkōzan workshop of Kyoto, presented with its carved wooden stand. The vase is remarkable for its unusual rounded form, superbly controlled decoration and unusually rich surface treatment. It has the visual authority of a gallery piece: highly decorative, technically refined and deeply connected with the artistic culture of Meiji-period Japan.

The body is decorated with a continuous naturalistic composition of birds, flowers, butterflies and insects. The cream Satsuma ground is covered with a dense field of minute gilt dots, creating a shimmering atmosphere across the whole surface. This gold pointillé is not used mechanically; it gives depth and movement to the composition, allowing the birds and flowers to appear suspended within a luminous landscape.

The flowers are enriched with fine raised moriage work, applied with precision and restraint. The birds are particularly attractive, with carefully painted wings, delicate shading and a sense of movement. Around the neck is a luxurious brocade-style band with raised gilding and coloured enamels, giving the vase a refined textile-like richness. The whole composition shows balance, confidence and high-level workshop execution.

The base bears the mark of the famous Kinkōzan workshop, visible both in the impressed mark and in the inscription around the foot. The vase is fully consistent in quality, technique and style with the finest Kyoto Satsuma production of the late Meiji period.

The condition remains highly decorative and impressive. 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 faults are minor in display and do not disturb the overall beauty of the object. The colours and gilding survive with exceptional freshness.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire not simply an antique vase, but a highly refined piece of Japanese cultural heritage, combining craftsmanship, decorative brilliance and strong interior presence.

Dimensions:
Height: 19 cm
Diameter of body: 17.5 cm
Diameter of upper opening: 7.2 cm
Weight: 1068 g

Wooden stand included. See less