A GROUP LOT WITH TWO SIGNED SATSUMA EARTHENWARE VASES

By Chosu / Kitamura /, signed Chosu / Kitamura
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) - Taisho period (1912-1926)

The first vase of slender double-gourd form, the body supported on a tapered foot and rising to a garlic neck. The exterior decorated with gilt and polychrome enamels to depict a continuous scene with immortals draped in voluminous robes. The group encircled by two writhing, three-clawed dragons, one rendered in high relief, the other applied and coiling around the neck of the vessel. The upper neck further embellished with the crest of the Shimazu clan, set amid gilt scrolling motifs. Signed to the base within a shaped reserve Dai Nippon Satsuma no Kuni CHOSU saku [made by Chosu in Satsuma Province, Japan].

The other vase of baluster form, the body supported on a waisted foot with a recessed base, rising to high-rounded shoulders and surmounted by a short neck with a gently flaring rim. The body finely decorated with two panels, one depicting a group of elegantly attired court ladies, the other with a group of immortals and attendants dressed in loose-fitting robes attentively listening to a sacred reading amid a mountainous landscape. Both scenes enameled with gilt accents on a finely crackled, creamy-white glazed ground and framed above and below by gilt chevron-patterned bands. The sides and shoulders embellished with patterned lappet bands and gilt floral brocades, with applied handles in the form of stylized elephant heads. The neck and rim with further gilt decorative bands. Signed to the base within a brown, rectangular reserve KITAMURA 喜多村 and with the Satsuma Mon.

HEIGHT 12.4 and 14.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and sparse firing irregularities, minor rubbing to gilding and enamels.
Provenance: Private estate, United Kingdom. The art collection, comprising over 100 fine and eclectic Asian works of art, including pieces from China, Japan, and other regions, has been formed primarily 20–30 years ago.