A delightful Japanese earthenware pottery Satsuma dish signed Kinkozan (Circa 1880)

Object Description

From our collection of antique Japanese Satsuma-ware from renowned Kinkozan dynasty, this finely painted Satsuma dish with unusual decoration of three panels that are intended to resemble scrolls. The scrolls on a rich, dark blue ground with a flowering Weeping Willow above a river with fallen Acer blossoms.

The three panels depict men, women and children wearing luxurious Kimono as they enjoy the gardens of a country house.

Acer leaves in water is a popular motif in Japanese art. They are a poignant metaphor for the unpredictability of life.

Object History

Kinkozan

The Kinkozan dynasty were by far the biggest producers of export satsuma ware, they were active from 1645-1927 and exported heavily to America.

Their studios produced a wide range of products and worked extensively with some of the best artists of the day.

Object Literature

Satsuma

Satsuma ware is a type of earthenware pottery originating from the Satsuma province in Southern Kyūshū, Japan’s third largest island. The first kilns were established here is the 16th century by Korean potters kidnapped by the Japanese for their extraordinary skills, prior to this there was no ceramic industry in Satsuma.

The first presentation of Japanese arts to the West was in 1867, Satsuma was one of the star attractions, it was this that established the satsuma aesthetic we are most familiar with today. This export style reflects the foreign tastes of the time, popular designs featured millefleur (million flower), and complex filled in patterns. Many pieces featured panels depicting typical Japanese scenes to appeal to the west such as pagodas, cherry blossom, birds and flowers and beautiful ladies and noble men in traditional dress. The height of popularity for Satsuma was the Meiji Period and many of the most beautiful and artistically accomplished works were made during this time.

Object Condition

Offered in very good condition as shown in the photographs. Please feel free to contact us for further information, additional images or to arrange a viewing.

Object Details