C1900, Pair Antique Japanese Meiji (1868-1912) Satsuma Vases, Signed Hododa

  

A matching pair of antique Japanese Satsuma vases, signed. The surface of each is decorated with mirrored designs, a group of scholars to one side, and a lake-land scene to the other. The base is signed with a three character mark in gold on black, which reads'Hododa'. Painstakingly hand painted with beautiful detailed decoration in gilt and various polychrome enamels (moriage), the fine crackling (Kannyu) of the soft, creamy glaze is typical and was used more to give richness and depth to the colours.

The enamel and gilding is applied on top of the glaze so that it stands proud of the surface. Satsuma pottery dates back to the 16th century and is still produced today in southern Japan around the Kagoshima region. The distinguishing features of Satsuma ceramics are they have an ivory, creamy or off-white and sometime beige appearance. The pottery is then hand painted with brightly coloured enamels, gold and silver, in fine, intricate designs with careful attention to detail. The finest details were painted using a single rat's hair.

This allowed the painter to create lifelike expressions on faces and exquisite detailing on robes. Most Satsuma artists decorated them freehand with traditional Japanese motifs and patterns such as foliage and flowers, landscapes, real and mythical birds and human figures engaged in ceremonial, military, or domestic activities. The thin translucent glaze with its applied design decoration deliberately ends up with a crackled finish. Height: 12.8 cm or 5 inches.

Width: 7.5 cm or 3 inches. Unpackaged combined weight: 458 grams. In good antique condition, without damage or restoration, showing only minor wear to the gilding to the upper rim.

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The seller is "phoenixchild0" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Region of Origin: Japanese
• Featured Refinements: Satsuma Vase
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Product: Vase
• Age: 1900-1940
• Primary Material: Porcelain/ Pottery
• Antique: Yes
• Sub-Type: Satuma
• Original/Repro: Antique Original