Rare Japanese Meiji Satsuma Crackle Ware Vase w/ Carving by Tashiro Factory

Description

A Rare Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Porcelain Double-Handled Crackled Ware Vase with Intaglio Carved Decoration and Gilt Adornment, Mark on Base: Tashiro Factory / Tashiro Giyōemon (田代儀右衛門), an important late Meiji to Taishō era manufacturer based in Yokohama. They were one of the major exporters of Satsuma-style ceramics to the Western market, especially from circa 1900–1920s. The vase is formed in a tall baluster shape, standing on a short circular foot and rising to a broad flaring mouth. Its surface is covered in a cream crackled glaze, with a consistent network of fine crackles extending over the entire body and neck. On the shoulder are two handles modeled as gilt kara-jishi heads, each with a ring suspended from the mouth. The features of the kara-jishi are carefully detailed, with flowing manes and expressive brows, their forms highlighted with gilding to accentuate their sculptural presence against the pale body of the vase. Decoration across the body and neck is executed in intaglio carving, recessed directly into the porcelain surface. The body is divided into pointed-arch panels, each bordered with fine linear frames, containing dense arrangements of scrollwork, stylized floral forms, and geometric patterns. The intaglio technique produces an effect where the designs are set beneath the surface, carved with precision and uniformity. The motifs are rendered with super fine cutting, each detail consistent throughout, indicating that the work was entirely hand-carved. Encircling the shoulder is a continuous narrow band of scroll designs, linking the neck and body decoration. The neck features elongated petal-form panels carved in intaglio, each enclosing lotus-like blossoms and interlaced geometric patterns. These are framed by angular fretwork borders that extend up toward the mouth. The rim itself is finished with a Greek key band, while a further narrow linear border encircles the top edge. At the base, the foot is decorated with a recessed scrolling foliate band, maintaining continuity with the carved decoration above. The application of gilt to the kara-jishi heads contrasts with the carved panels, uniting the three-dimensional and incised decoration. The intaglio carving demonstrates a high level of technical control, with every scroll, blossom, and geometric motif cut directly into the porcelain body before glazing. This required precise planning and execution to achieve uniform depth and sharpness across the surface. The crackled glaze sits evenly across both the intaglio panels and undecorated areas, enhancing the visual texture of the vessel. The combination of hand-carved intaglio decoration and the application of gilt to the sculptural handles makes this piece distinct within the Satsuma tradition, where overglaze enamels are more commonly found. The base bears a Japanese mark written beneath the glaze, identifying the maker. The consistent crackle of the glaze across the entire surface reflects the controlled firing process used in Satsuma production. This vase is rare for its integration of large-scale intaglio carving with a traditional crackled glaze ground, further distinguished by the addition of kara-jishi handles highlighted in gilt.

Details

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