Kyoto Satsuma Moriage Vases in the style of Chikusai, 1890s, Set of 2

Details

Description

A pair of Meiji-period Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases from Kyoto, circa 1890. They are made in the Kinkōzan tradition and … Read more A pair of Meiji-period Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases from Kyoto, circa 1890. They are made in the Kinkōzan tradition and in the style of Chikusai, with softly tapering baluster bodies, flared openings and a fine cream crackle glaze.

The surfaces are richly worked with chrysanthemums, birds and raised enamel decoration. The flowers are modelled in high-relief polychrome moriage; raised white and iron-red dots form a jewelled-dot moriage pattern across the background. Gilded, cobalt-blue and polychrome moriage bands decorate the necks and footrings with textile-inspired geometric designs, clouds and medallions.

An accomplished hand-decorated pair representing the technical refinement of Meiji-period Kyō-Satsuma. The slight variations between the paintings on the two vases are characteristic of individual handwork.

Dimensions
Height: 30 cm and 30.5 cm; Diameter: 13.7 cm and 14 cm; Weight: 1,010 g and 1,050 g

Condition
Both vases are in very good original condition. The interior of the neck of each vase has an old cosmetic paint coating, with a single fine crack visible in the coating. UV examination confirms that both necks and bodies are structurally sound, with no underlying cracks, repairs or repainting elsewhere. The coating appears to have been applied for cosmetic reasons rather than to conceal damage or restoration. See less