A Fine Imperial Japanese Satsuma Vase

By Hyokoseki (Hyōkoseki)

Meiji era (late 19th century)

Of baluster form with waisted neck and gently flared foot, finely decorated in polychrome enamels and richly gilded. The body is densely painted with large peony blooms in shades of iron-red, cobalt, turquoise and green, the petals and foliage delicately heightened in gilt and outlined with raised moriage. The neck is encircled by a band of stylised butterflies amid scrolling foliage, above a lappet border at the foot. The shoulder is reserved with cloud-shaped panels framing floral sprays. The reverse is painted with the Shimazu clan crest in underglaze-blue above an iron-red inscription reading “Dai Nippon Satsuma-yaki Hyokoseki-ga”.

• Height: 18.5 cm


• Period: Meiji (1868–1912)

Condition: Very good condition; no damage or restoration observed.