Exceptional Japanese Satsuma earthenware box by Tōshōzan, Meiji period
£1,000.00
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An exceptional Japanese Satsuma earthenware box and cover dating to the Meiji period, combining unusually heavy potting, richly detailed painting and a very strong decorative presence. This is a serious and impressive cabinet piece, with far more substance and refinement than the lighter, more routine examples often seen on the market.
The cover is beautifully hand-painted with a vivid and highly detailed scene of Rakan, or Buddhist sages, each figure distinguished by expressive features, elaborate halos and carefully rendered garments. The decoration is executed in layered polychrome enamels with extensive gilding, all set against a dramatic midnight-blue ground. This dark ground is finely covered with dense gold stippling, producing a luminous surface effect that is especially attractive under changing light.
The sides are equally well considered, decorated with elegant trailing foliage and stylised motifs that complete the composition around the whole body of the box. The underside carries the iron-red signature of Tōshōzan (東正山), adding further interest for collectors of signed Japanese Meiji ceramics.
This box is both decorative and collectible: a piece with real visual depth, strong colour contrast and excellent display value. It would work beautifully in a curated interior, in a collector's cabinet, or as a distinctive gift for someone with an eye for Japanese art and fine nineteenth-century craftsmanship.
Measurements
Height: 8 cm (3.15″)
Width: 16 cm (6.3″)
Depth: 16 cm (6.3″)
Weight: 1,135 grams
Condition
Condition is good antique condition with age-related wear, including expected light rubbing to the gilding and minor surface wear in keeping with age and use. The piece remains highly decorative and displays extremely well.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging and postage.
Carefully packed using appropriate materials.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.
Exceptional Japanese Satsuma earthenware box by Tōshōzan, Meiji period
£1,000.00
The cover is beautifully hand-painted with a vivid and highly detailed scene of Rakan, or Buddhist sages, each figure distinguished by expressive features, elaborate halos and carefully rendered garments. The decoration is executed in layered polychrome enamels with extensive gilding, all set against a dramatic midnight-blue ground. This dark ground is finely covered with dense gold stippling, producing a luminous surface effect that is especially attractive under changing light.
The sides are equally well considered, decorated with elegant trailing foliage and stylised motifs that complete the composition around the whole body of the box. The underside carries the iron-red signature of Tōshōzan (東正山), adding further interest for collectors of signed Japanese Meiji ceramics.
This box is both decorative and collectible: a piece with real visual depth, strong colour contrast and excellent display value. It would work beautifully in a curated interior, in a collector's cabinet, or as a distinctive gift for someone with an eye for Japanese art and fine nineteenth-century craftsmanship.
Measurements
Height: 8 cm (3.15″)
Width: 16 cm (6.3″)
Depth: 16 cm (6.3″)
Weight: 1,135 grams
Condition
Condition is good antique condition with age-related wear, including expected light rubbing to the gilding and minor surface wear in keeping with age and use. The piece remains highly decorative and displays extremely well.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging and postage.
Carefully packed using appropriate materials.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.