THE ITEM
Presenting this stunning pair of deceptively simple Satsuma ware vases by 金光山浅野造, the Japanese Kinkōzan Pottery.
These ceramic mantle vases bear the Satsumaware crackle / crazing glaze and hand decorated in the Moriage style. Moriage is a special type of raised decoration used on some Japanese pottery. Sometimes pieces of clay were shaped by hand and applied to the item; sometimes the clay was squeezed from a tube in the way we apply cake frosting.
The decor is in the more restrained style, as opposed to the more typically ornate vistas that would cover the body of the vase throughout. Although the form is the simple Baluster and the decor is more subdued, the portrayed immortal figure and scenic backdrop on each vase is exquisite in intricate detail and very tactile.
These vases were most likely crafted at end of the Taisho period into the Showa period c. 1920-1930, but could be older into the Meiji period.
A BIT OF HISTORY
The Kinkōzan Pottery was active 1645–1927, headed by Kinkōzan Sōbei, the pottery exported heavily from 1875, especially to America and was the largest overall producer of Satsuma export ware.
Prominent artists of the Meiji and Taishō periods artists set up etsuke workshops around 1880, coinciding with the export slump. Although they did export, stylistically their pieces demonstrated a wish to return to tradition.
Their works are recognized for a "restrained style" and "sparing distribution of motifs." Painted themes were often taken from literary classics, heroic legends, or represented nostalgic renderings of life in pre-Meiji Kyoto. Early in the twentieth century these artists also began to incorporate western techniques and styles, including perspective and muted colours, as well as the use of liquid gold (水金 suikin), which was originally developed by Germany's Meissen.
CONDITION
Good to excellent. There are no chips or unintentional cracks, there is a degree of use and age wear that is commensurable with the age of these pieces - please see photos as part of the condition report. Both vases are fully stamped under the Shimazu Crest and handpainted inscription of 金光山浅野造 which translates as 'Kinkōzan Asano zō (made)'
MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 8" / 20.3 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 3" / 7.6 cm base diameter.
Rim diameter: c. 2.6 " / 6.7 cm
Unpackaged weight: c. 1.1 kg / 1,103 g (both vases)
NOTES
Vases will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.