Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Earthenware (11)

Exceptionally large Kyoto ceramic incense burner. It is turned in a typical clay, a kind of sandstone earthenware covered with finely cracked glaze . A charming decor, animated by chinese children playing, develops over the entire surface, enamelled with colors predominantly green and blue. Gold details. On the sides, bouquets of flowers and leaves bloom elegantly. It is rare to find such harmonious sculptures on Japanese ceramics, usually they are ostentatiously excessive and vulgar. Below glazed Chinese characters certainly indicate the name of the kiln or the potter. There is also a small mark stamped in the hollow before firing. It is very complicated to fire a ceramic of this size and weight and we don't know of anything else comparable. The quality of the drawings, the reliefs, the enamelling and finally the dimensions make it an exceptional object commissioned by an important Japanese sponsor. Certainly not for export. Edo period 19th century or before. The translation of the mark should allow precise dating. There are accidents, the shishi has been reattached, as well as some petals and leaves and a foot. Otherwise good condition. Large: 50cm Hauteur: 56cm Weight about 10 kg or more. The weight, size and preciousness mean that this work will not be shipped. It will be collected in Nice south of France or I will deliver it personally if possible.

Mini censor in satsuma earthenware. Decor of enamelled characters, gold and silver motifs. The cover is excessively large. Anonymous. Japan late 19°. Height: 65mm Good condition. Usual wear for a century-old golden object.

Pair of fine satzuma earthenware vases. The cream colored clay is covered with finely crackled glaze. A golden decoration representing pagodas in a mountainous landscape is placed on a matte black background. Some details are sprinkled to imitate morning mists. These are original vases inspired by Komai style vases in gold damask steel. Probably made in Kyoto during the Meiji or Taisho period. Good condition. Height: 125mm.

Fine earthenware dish from Satsuma. Polychrome decoration where blue (typical Gosu blue) is dominant, this type of decoration was called "Imperial" although these ceramics were not intended for the emperor but mainly for export to the Europe and the United States. The dish is entirely covered by Mon, we recognize among others that of the Tokugawa, Shogun reigning in Japan until 1868.Mark: Satsuma Yaki, it is interesting to note that the second character "ma " is written entirely whereas it is usually abbreviated which confirms ceramics of the best quality. Above the characters the "Mon" (crest) of the Shimazu clan. This dish was produced in Awata (Kyoto) rather than in Satsuma, probably in the 19th century around 1860-80 but the imperfection of the cooking of the Gosu blue which "bubbled" could indicate an older production. Good condition, a little worn from use. 156x25mm.

Fine earthenware vase of satsuma decorated with excellently drawn dancers. The positions of the bodies, the volumes and the perfect impression of movement announce a very good painter. Unfortunately it is anonymous because there is no signature. Good condition. Height about 40cm.

Satzuma fine earthenware tea service. Teapot, milk jug, sugar pot, 6 saucers and 6 cups. Decoration of guilandes of 1000 flowers and animated scenes of mothers and children in the garden. Each cup has the same decoration as its saucer. The 6 have a different decor. Nice quality. Not yet looked for the name of the painter but certainly a good artist.Meiji period arround 1900. Good condition, some spots of use of the tea but barely nuanced (visible on photos). Note: It is rare to find full service of this quality and condition. Teapot: 16cm Saucers D: 13.8cm Cup: D: 9.3cm

Small Satsuma earthenware incense burner in the shape of a cricket cage. Technically complex openwork work with results that are still uncertain, the fine bars of the cage have survived the test of fire without damage, then that of handling for more than 100 years. Today the object is in excellent condition. Below the mark of the Satsuma and the name Hattori who was one of the best ceramic painters of his time., allowing a precise dating. We can, on request, find out who it is. Height 14cm.

Satsuma fine earthenware vase, Kinkozan kilns. Decor of absolute rarity. Two panels with a cracked cream-white background are decorated on one side with a palace scene representing the Empress and her dancer and musical courtesans and on the other side the Mikado fighter. Indeed, above the central figure floats a flag bearing the imperial emblem of Japan, the 32 petalled chrysanthemum. The bottom of the vase is atypical, it is decorated with a multitude of flowers in high silver relief, generally the bottoms of the Kinkosan are always blue, very rarely green for the higher quality models. The fact of having used the silverware announces an exceptional object. It is believed that the artist skilfully imitated the work of a goldsmith, that of one of the many solid silver vases of the Meiji period applied with shibayama panels on ivory or lacquer. Here the imperial decoration imitates the work of the urushi on two parts of ostrich egg or ivory. The artist used several shades of gold in different thicknesses to give the illusion of maki-é and kirikane. This decor is absolutely unique and of the best quality. Below the mark of Kinkozan. Excellent condition. Height about 20cm.

Vase of exceptional size in Satsuma earthenware. It is extremely difficult to make such a large and above heavy earthenware because the audacious shape carries a risk of subsidence during firing. It is certain that the artist must have used supports during the firing. It is a technical feat of a master potter. The enamels and gilding are of high quality as can be seen on the best satsuma creations. The decoration is also atypical with a beautiful decorative effect and a surprising aesthetic. At the top of the vase, a decor inspired by Kyoto textiles from the 18th century is reminiscent of a canopy that will discover the decor. While below, leaves and stylized chrysanthemums. This flowers are in fact the Mon of the Emperor, because all of them have exactly 32 petals. Except the reds which have 48, the meaning of which escapes me. Lower,the leaves from which the "Mon" are taken are Paulownia leaves which were the emblem of the Tokugawa Shogun. We draw the conclusion that this vase illustrates an important moment in the history of Japan when Emperor Meiji regained power,which had been left to the Shogun for centuries. The Tokugawa shogunate is no more, and its fallen Pawlonia leaves serve as breeding ground for imperial chrysanthemums. Diameter: 40cm Height: 36cm 2 cracks in the upper edge at mid-height, one on each side visible on photo. Accident which on a vase of this size is not unacceptable

Satzuma fine earthenware tea bowl by Nakamura Baikei (1868-1912). Decor of a palace or a temple rising in a snow-covered lake landscape and animated by numerous characters. Drawings very finely executed by Baikei who was one of the best artists in Satzuma. His works were widely copied. Its production was of irregular quality, sometimes weak, rarely excellent. The bowl presented here is one of his best creations, if not the best, because it is perfect. It is a bowl, moreover the shape is atypical and very elegant, the size is perfect, the snowy decorations are rare and the most appreciated, the drawings are precise and the subjects harmoniously distributed. It bears a profusion of characters, especially on the belly, which is unusual. It is cracked as can be seen in the photos. Diameter: 11cm. Hight: 7,5cm

Vase in fine Satsuma earthenware enamelled in Osaka in Yabu Meizan's workshop at the end of the 19th century around 1890. The decoration is compartmentalized in 4 cartouches and represents the 4 seasons. The landscapes are meticulously painted, the details are surprisingly elegant and realistic. For winter, a snow-covered port is represented, the trees are heavy with snow, everything is motionless, padded. The cartouches are surrounded by a beautifully painted thousand-flower background. Yabu Meizan was the best artist of the Satsuma style and this vase is one of his most beautiful creations, his snowy landscapes are the most sought after. Good condition, slight wear to the gilding on the collar. No restoration or accident. Height: 192mm Diameter: 101mm