Japanese Meiji Satsuma Vases by Kinkōzan, Kyoto, 1900s, Set of 2

Details

Description

A rare and refined pair of Japanese Satsuma vases by Kinkōzan, Kyoto, dating to the late Meiji period, circa 1890–1910. … Read more A rare and refined pair of Japanese Satsuma vases by Kinkōzan, Kyoto, dating to the late Meiji period, circa 1890–1910. Each vase bears the gilt Dai Nippon / Kinkōzan mark to the base, identifying the pair with one of the most prestigious names in the Japanese Satsuma market.

Kinkōzan is recognised as one of the leading names of Meiji-period Kyoto Satsuma. The workshop became internationally famous for its elegant cream crackled glaze, precise enamel painting, refined gilding and carefully balanced decorative schemes. Signed Kinkōzan works occupy a strong position in the market because they combine technical quality, visual sophistication and the prestige of a famous workshop name.

The decoration on this pair is especially elegant: birds among autumn maple branches, painted across the rounded bodies in a continuous composition. The birds are finely executed in blue-green enamel, with delicate gilt lines describing the feathers. The maple leaves are painted in red, brown, black and gold, forming a rich seasonal pattern against the warm cream crackled glaze. The result is decorative, refined and highly suitable for a serious interior or Japanese art collection.

The necks are finished with dense gilt ornamental borders, demonstrating the controlled richness associated with quality Kyoto Satsuma. The pair has strong visual harmony: the two vases are not merely similar, but form a balanced matched display set.

Condition:
Condition is excellent. The first vase has only minor rubbing to the gilding on the rim and slight dirt within the natural crackle, which could be carefully cleaned. The second vase is excellent, with no visible loss of gilding. Both vases have been examined under ultraviolet light and show no cracks, no restoration and no structural damage. The vases are presented on their fitted wooden stands.

Dimensions:
First vase: height without stand 19.5 cm; height with stand 21.7 cm; diameter 15.3 cm; weight without stand 772 g.
Second vase: height without stand 19.4 cm; height with stand 21.4 cm; diameter 15.3 cm; weight without stand 719 g. See less