Object Description
From our collection of antique Japanese ceramics, this exceptional and imposing, (at 45cm in height) earthenware pottery Satsuma vase bearing the signature of Ryozan and the mark of the Yasuda Company.
Of classical form and with bold decoration, the main panel presents a scene with lavishly dressed men and women on their way to a lakeside bath-house (Sento). A sento is a Japanese communal bath-house. They can be utilitarian or more spa-like, they often feature large communal bathing areas with murals decorating the walls. Bath-houses heated by natural hot springs are known as Onsen.
The reverse depicts a large flowering Peony supported by a lattice Bamboo framework and with pigeons sheltering underneath.
The ground of the vase is beautifully decorated with an incredibly complex design taking its inspiration from Kimono patterns. It features geometric panels upon floral and foliate with polychrome frolicking stylised Phoenix birds.