Japanese Satsuma Bowl by Taizan for Hododa, 1900

Details

Description

A small Japanese Satsuma bowl signed by Taizan and bearing the Hododa firm's mark, Meiji period, circa 1900. The thin … Read more A small Japanese Satsuma bowl signed by Taizan and bearing the Hododa firm's mark, Meiji period, circa 1900. The thin body, shaped rim and exceptionally detailed figure painting make it an accomplished example of decorated cabinet ceramics.

Haloed Buddhist figures, including rakan, appear beside a white dragon in a landscape with temple buildings. Their minute eyes, eyebrows, hair and individual expressions are carefully rendered. Dense white dots contrast with the dark ground, while elaborate gold patterns distinguish the robes. The exterior carries further dragons and Shimazu crests.

The cream crackled earthenware is finished with coloured overglaze enamels, gilding and raised enamel details. Its intimate scale encourages close viewing of the painter's brushwork.

The gilt base inscription reads 大日本, Dainippon ("Great Japan"); 薩摩焼, Satsuma-yaki ("Satsuma ware"); 對山作, Taizan saku ("work of Taizan"); and 保土田特製, Hododa tokusei ("specially made by Hododa"), with the Shimazu crest. Tokusei indicates a premium line within Hododa's production.

Excellent antique condition, with minor surface wear to gilding. No chips or structural cracks. Examination under ultraviolet light revealed no evidence of restoration. Fine glaze crazing is characteristic of Satsuma ware.

Takichi Hododa (born 1868) entered ceramics around 1890; Hododa wares are generally dated circa 1890–1920. His Sakai-chō, Yokohama business exhibited at St Louis in 1904. Hododa ceramics are represented in the Walters Art Museum.

The combination of a named decorator and the Hododa mark adds interest for collectors of Japanese decorative arts.

Diameter 11 cm; height 4.7 cm; weight 166 g. See less