Object Description
From our collection of antique Japanese ceramics, this striking, large (39cm in height) pair of Satsuma vases signed Hozan and dating to around 1880.
Each vase of elongated form and with three main decorated panels surrounded by vibrant cascading Wisteria.
The front panel of each vase depicts men, women and children at the entrances to a Shrine complex. Other buildings appear in the background, all under the watch of a resplendent, snow-capped Mount Fuji.
The second panel also showing scenes of idyllic Japanese life with mothers taking their young children across a bridge over a steam. They are dressed in beautiful robes and hold picnic baskets. Thatched cottages stand either side of the river and once again, the peak of Mount Fuji is seen in the distance.
The third panel is richly decorated with vibrant wood pigeons in the boughs of a cherry tree laden with blossom. The blossom painted with a thick moriage effect to create a three-dimensional effect. Underneath the Sakura, butterflies are drawn to giant, flowering Peonies.
The shoulder of each vase with a detailed flowering foliate gold design which is replicated at the foot where there are also stylised Phoenix and Chrysanthemum Mon.
Signed Hozan to the underside along with the Shimazu Crest and with original wood stands.