A Monumental Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Gilt Covered Vase with Sea Eagle

Description

A Monumental signed Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Gilt Covered Vase with raised Sea Eagle. This monumental signed Japanese Satsuma earthenware covered vase is of baluster form with broad shoulders, a tapering body, and a recessed circular foot, surmounted by a domed cover and an ovoid finial. The principal reserve is centered by a large raised sea eagle perched upon a weathered rock formation with wings partially extended, its head lowered and talons gripping the stone. The bird is painted in shades of brown, black, white, and gray with individually delineated feathers, yellow talons, and a blue gray beak. Behind the eagle are stylized cloud bands, rocky outcrops, and trailing foliage accented in turquoise and gilt. A second reserve depicts a phoenix rising among scrolling clouds, providing a contrasting avian subject. Both reserves are enclosed within shaped gilt borders filled with geometric and diaper ornament. The shoulder, neck, cover, and finial are densely decorated with alternating bands of floral sprays, hexagonal diaper work, scrolling arabesques, wave patterns, brocade motifs, and stylized blossoms executed in gilt with muted tones of iron red, turquoise, sage green, cobalt blue, and cream. Raised gilt decoration is applied throughout, producing a textured surface that follows the contours of the painted ornament. This vase is a Japanese Satsuma ware example produced during the Meiji period, a time when large cabinet pieces of this scale were created for exhibition and export markets. The finely painted decoration reflects the detailed enamel and gilt work associated with Kyoto workshops specializing in Satsuma, signed in one of the panels with raised enamel gilt signature. Satsuma ware of this type was formed from earthenware covered with a finely crackled ivory glaze before being decorated with hand painted enamels and extensive gilding. The raised gilt work was applied in multiple stages to create relief within the patterned borders, while the enamel colors were fired separately to preserve their definition. The sea eagle is rendered with individually incised feather groupings and layered brushwork that distinguishes each section of the plumage, while the surrounding landscape combines line work, stippling, and gilt outlines to define clouds, rock formations, and vegetation. Every visible surface, including the cover, finial, shoulder, neck, and lower body, is ornamented with continuous decorative bands, leaving the large pictorial reserves as the primary focal areas of the composition. The monumental scale, extensive surface decoration, and balanced arrangement of painted reserves and patterned ornament are characteristic of the most elaborate Meiji period Satsuma display wares. Dimensions: 34" Height 20" Diameter

Details

Dimensions