Japanese Satsuma Bowl by Gyokkō, 1890s

Details

Description

A very fine Japanese Satsuma bowl from the Meiji period, signed Gyokkō, dating to circa 1890–1910. This is a carefully … Read more A very fine Japanese Satsuma bowl from the Meiji period, signed Gyokkō, dating to circa 1890–1910. This is a carefully executed individual Satsuma work, with a refined Japanese landscape scene, elegant figures, rich gilding and a beautifully painted bamboo exterior.

The bowl is decorated on a warm cream crackled glaze, typical of good Meiji-period Satsuma, with polychrome enamels and extensive gilt detail. The interior depicts women and a child within a Japanese landscape of temple buildings, pagodas, trees, hills, water and a distant mountain. The scene is charming and highly decorative, with strong depth created through the use of architecture, landscape and foreground figures.

The quality of the painting can be seen in the detailed temple architecture, the gilt patterns on the robes, the carefully painted parasols, the layered trees and the soft treatment of the distant mountain. The exterior is decorated with a continuous bamboo motif, giving the bowl a refined and elegant appearance from every angle. The gilt rim border provides a strong decorative frame.

The underside bears a red rectangular gilt signature panel reading Gyokkō / 玉光. This appears to be a Meiji-period Satsuma decorator or workshop name.

Measurements

Height: 5 cm (2.0″)
Diameter: 12.7 cm (5.0″)
Weight: 195 g

Condition

Excellent condition. The bowl has been checked under UV light and shows no cracks, no restoration and no structural problems. There are no visible condition issues. The enamels, colours and gilding are very well preserved.

The wooden stand shown in the photographs is for display only and is not included. See less