A Satsuma vase decorated with leaf motif and glitter, signed Kinkozan

Pair of large Satsuma vases signed Kinkozan, decorated with scenes inspired by Japanese imperial tradition, crafted with precision and embossed gold. One side of each vase depicts th...

Satsuma ceramic lobed bowl adorned with raised enamels and fine gold details, depicting a vibrant landscape within. Characters and traditional Japanese home...

A large Japanese ceramic vase from the end of Meiji period circa 1890-1910s by Kinkozan (1645-1927). One of the largest studio manufacturers of the export ceramics at the time based in Kyoto. In the typical style of satsuma made at the turn of 20th century, the vase is elaborately decorated with a rather unusual kinran-de (gold paint) and green enamel highlight on a mottled brown background. The painterly decoration depicts a large seasonal floral arrangement in a circular fashion. Besides the obviously superb craftsmanship, what sets this particular vase apart from many lower quality and mass-produced pieces is its tone-on-tone color pallet that is visually somber and the small and sensitive details that heralds the change of the seasons. When the viewer goes beyond the first casual glimpse of the blossom and foliage, one would notice that on the edges of certain leaves as well as along the stalks, there accumulates a very thin layer of the white dust that represents the frost. The flower in bloom are chrysanthemums. Despite of being splendid, they are the messengers of the autumn. The large lotus leaf was subtly rendered in a bended and slightly withered manner, just past its prime. Although the lotus is still in bloom, the prominent seed pod indicates it may be the last for the season. The sentimental capture of the change of the seasons is not unusual in Japanese art. This vase poetically represents such a subtle transition from summer to fall, perhaps depicting the very first frost. The neck of the vase is also slightly unusual with two rolled rings...

A ceramic satsuma ware vase with very fine surface decoration made by Kinkozan circa 1880-1900s of late Meiji Period. The vase is of an elegant and relatively rare form with a trumpet shape body and the so-called garlic neck and opening. The surface is exquisitely decorated in a floral scheme with gilt and a light jewel-tone enamel. The top part showcases large bundles of wisteria blossom in white and purple, cascading down from a gilt wood trellis...