Description From our Japanese Satsuma collection, we are delighted to present this exquisite Meiji period vase by Okamoto Ryozan for the Yasuda Company, a masterpiece of fine enamel and gilt decoration. The vase, of tall ovoid form, captures the technical brilliance and creative sophistication that defined the height of Satsuma ware during the Meiji Period. Its body is finely painted with scenes of daily life beneath blooming cherry trees, with Mount Fuji rising softly in the distance. The surface is alive with delicate figures including families, bijin, and children set among bridges, pavilions, and flowing water, all executed with microscopic precision and exceptional colour balance. Central to the main scene a male can be seen pushing along a package on a hoisted rope across the scaling river to figures on the other side, a fantastic and radiant scene. To the reverse, a tranquil garden scene unfolds, depicting fruiting trees laden with persimmons, birds perch among blossoms, and a meandering stream rendered with breathtaking detail. The use of cobalt blue, orange, and soft enamels over a warm ivory crackle ground reflects Ryozan’s understanding of composition and his ability to bring narrative life to ceramic form. The vase is signed to the base within a red cartouche and gilt seal mark 亮山製造, Ryozan Made with the Yasuda Company logo, one of Kyoto’s leading export houses during the Meiji era and the Shimazu crest. Under the guidance of Okamoto Ryozan, Yasuda became synonymous with the finest Satsuma wares exported to the West, often displayed at international expositions and collected by European aristocracy. A superb example of Meiji period ceramics, the vase dates to the second half of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). More about the retailer Yasuda Company was founded in 1896 by Gensei and Yoshizaburo Yasida two brothers from Kyoto. The companies full name is Yasuda Kyoto Tojiki Goshikaisha which translates to Yoshida Kyoto Ceramic Joint Stock Company. They were a manufacturer and dealership based in Kyoto and active during the second half of the Japanese Meiji-era specialising in decorative works including Cloisonne and Ceramics, today they are best-known for their Satsuma pottery wares. The company gained a good reputation and great respect for their high quality works which were executed by some of the best artists of their time. As well as Okamoto Ryozan, they worked with celebrated artists such as Sozan, Kizan, Hozan and Seikozan. For further information see our makers and retailers page Yasuda Company (Yasuda Kyoto Tojiki Goshikaisha). More about the maker Okamoto Ryozan Okamoto Ryozan (亮山), born Nakamura Tatsunosuke, was one of Japan’s most respected Satsuma decorators of the Meiji period. Trained by the Kyoto master Nishimura Zengoro, he later became Head Artist at the Yasuda Company. His works are admired for their refined brushwork, balanced composition, and subtle colour palette, making Ryozan’s name synonymous with the highest standards of Kyoto Satsuma ware. For further information see our makers and retailers page on Okamoto Ryozan (亮山). More about the MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art. For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation. What is satsuma ware? Satsuma ware originated in southern Kyūshū around 1600 and developed into one of Japan’s most recognisable ceramics. Early Ko-Satsuma pieces were rustic, dark-clay wares made for everyday use, while the later Kyō-Satsuma style became famous worldwide during the Meiji period. Characterised by ivory crackled glaze, delicate overglaze enamels, and lavish gilding, export Satsuma appealed strongly to Western collectors. Designs often feature landscapes, flowers, figures, and scenes from Japanese life and mythology. Renowned artists such as Yabu Meizan, Ryozan, and the Kinkōzan workshop produced some of the finest examples, which remain highly sought after today. Genuine Satsuma can often be identified by the Shimazu crest, artist signatures, or the mark “Dai Nippon” used during the Meiji era. For further information on the history of Satsuma Ware please see our article Japanese Satsuma Ware. MEASUREMENTS 24.5cm High x 13cm Diameter (9.65 x 5.12 Inches) CONDITION Excellent Condition WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.
