Japanese Shozan Satsuma Vases with Figural Garden Scenes, 1900s, Set of 2

Details

Description

A finely decorated pair of Japanese Satsuma vases attributed to the Shozan workshop (庄山), dating from circa 1900-1910.
Both vases … Read more A finely decorated pair of Japanese Satsuma vases attributed to the Shozan workshop (庄山), dating from circa 1900-1910.
Both vases have balanced slender baluster forms and complementary continuous compositions depicting Japanese women and children within an extensive temple garden. Traditional architecture, water, distant mountains and cascading purple wisteria form an exceptionally decorative panoramic setting.

The shoulders are finished with alternating textile-inspired panels in pale blue, mauve, green and gold. Intricate gilt linework, patterned borders and black-and-gold bands contrast with the finely crackled ivory glaze.

Each vase is signed 庄山, Shozan, in gilt within a black rectangular cartouche and accompanied by the Shimazu cross emblem.
The consistent quality of the painting, harmonious palette and excellent preservation make this signed pair a particularly strong decorative example of early 20th-century Japanese Satsuma work.

Attribution: Shozan workshop (庄山)
Country of origin: Japan
Period: Circa 1900-1910
Materials: Satsuma earthenware, polychrome enamels and gilding
Dimensions of each vase:
Height: 18.8 cm
Diameter: 9.3 cm
Weight:
First vase: 417 g
Second vase: 400 g

Condition:
Excellent antique condition. Minor wear to the gilding around the upper rims; otherwise, both vases are exceptionally well preserved. Both have been inspected under ultraviolet light, with no restoration detected. The fine crackle throughout is an original characteristic of the glaze. See less