663 - Pair of Satsuma vases with figural scenes among chrysanthemums, gilt decoration, Japan

Pair of Satsuma vases with figural scenes among chrysanthemums, gilt decoration, Japan Ceramic, cream-coloured body with fine crackle, polychrome overglaze painting with gilt decoration. Bulbous form tapering towards the base with a tall cylindrical neck and recessed foot ring. Around the body figural scenes: adults in patterned robes and boys among chrysanthemums and other autumn flowers, the shoulder with gilt decoration, above the foot a reddish-brown band with lozenge lattice and blossoms. The neck with gilt cartouches, tendrils and tassels on a light ground. Both vases with a multi-line red signature on the base. Age-appropriate condition, decoration partly rubbed, both vases with chips to the mouth, one more so. H. 16 cm each. Satsuma denotes a type of ware, not a manufactory: a yellowish to cream-coloured earthenware with finely crackled glaze that was painted in large quantities for export from the late 19th century onwards. The base signatures begin with the characters Dai Nippon, Great Japan, a designation of origin customary for export ware of that period.