YABU MEIZAN: A SUPERB SATSUMA CERAMIC VASE WITH A ROYAL PROCESSION By Yabu Meizan (1853-1934), signed Yabu Meizan Japan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of baluster shape, the small vase rising to rounded shoulders with a narrow neck and a gently flared rim. The finely crackled beige body decorated in superb enamels and gilt with a royal procession, at its center a lady is being carried by four men inside a palanquin. The lady’s entourage comprising of samurai, banner carriers, a multitude of female and male attendees. The rim of the face is decorated with five panels enclosing millefleur designs. Signed to the base within a gilt reserve YABU MEIZAN. HEIGHT 12 cm (the vase only), HEIGHT 13.3 cm (with the wood base) Condition: Excellent condition. With a fitted wood base. Yabu Meizan (1853-1934) was a Japanese artist and workshop owner known for painting on porcelain. His studio produced high-end Satsuma ware and he was one of the artists who continued the tradition of high artistic quality while also successfully exporting. Meizan actively marketed his work internationally as well as domestically, taking an active role in organizing the presentation of Japanese wares at world fairs. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related satsuma vase by the same artist similarly depicting a royal procession, signed Yabu Meizan, 16 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 16 September 2014, New York, lot 2271 (sold for USD 20,000).