Blue Satsuma Vase with Tea Ceremony

This exceptional Japanese Satsuma vase represents the pinnacle of Japanese earthenware. Exquisitely hand-painted and gilded, it depicts a serene tea ceremony with intricate patterns. Legend has it that the finest Satsuma painters would go blind due to the extreme detail of their work. This vase is especially impressive due to its small size, as the artist still captures great detail in the scene. The striking cobalt blue background, contrasting beautifully with the shining gold gilding, dates the vase to the period after 1870.

Satsuma earthenware has been highly popular with collectors for nearly 150 years and is considered the quintessential art form of the Meiji period. Originating in the 17th century, this luminous style was fully developed around 1790, featuring overglaze enamel and gilded detailing with nature-inspired designs, particularly floral and animal motifs. In the 19th century, architectural and human decorations also became prominent. Satsuma ware began near Kagoshima Prefecture on Kyushu Island, crafted by Korean potters for the Shimazu family and the local community. Its acclaim skyrocketed after being showcased at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Soon, Satsuma ware was being commissioned from craftsmen across the region for export to the West, including major cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Yokohama, with the continued support of the Shimazu family ensuring its success.

Circa 1870

2 1/4″ high x 2 1/4″ in diameter