207 - † OKAMOTO RYOZAN FOR THE YASUDA COMPANY: A SUPERB SATSUMA CERAMIC ‘HAWK AMID BAMBOO AND CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING AT MOUNT FUJI’ VASE

† OKAMOTO RYOZAN FOR THE YASUDA COMPANY: A SUPERB SATSUMA CERAMIC ‘HAWK AMID BAMBOO AND CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING AT MOUNT FUJI’ VASE By Okamoto Ryozan (c. 1820-1910), signed Kyoto Ryozan with the mark of the Yasuda Company Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Superbly potted, the tall, gently tapering body rising from a splayed foot to sharply angled shoulders, surmounted by a waisted neck and broad, everted mouth. The exterior exquisitely painted in vivid polychrome enamels and gilt over a finely crackled ivory glaze, with two large opposing panels. One depicts a magnificent hawk perched on a bending bamboo stem beside a stream, its keen gaze and intricately delineated plumage rendered with remarkable naturalism, framed by slender bamboo stalks and sweeping clusters of lush foliage, accompanied by two small sparrows in flight. The other presents a lively springtime gathering of elegantly dressed men and women, attendants, and travelers, some on horseback and others carrying parasols, making their way beneath flowering cherry trees at the foot of majestic, snow-capped Mount Fuji, its distant summit emerging through the mist. The delicate pink blossoms, set against the mountain's lingering snow, beautifully capture the arrival of spring. The panels are separated by richly gilt brocade bands filled with overlapping geometric diaper patterns and stylized flowerheads, with further intricate floral motifs encircling the neck and foot. The underside bears the signature Kyoto RYOZAN, together with the marks of the Yasuda Company and the Shimazu clan. HEIGHT 29.7 cm Condition: Excellent condition. A small area in the lower right corner of the hawk panel fluoresces under UV light, possibly indicating minor retouching, although no associated damage is apparent. Otherwise, no evidence of damage or restoration. The present vase is particularly distinguished by the masterful contrast between its two compositions. The solitary hawk, an emblem of strength and vigilance, is depicted amid resilient bamboo with extraordinary painterly restraint, while the reverse bursts into life with a bustling springtime procession beneath the first cherry blossoms. The juxtaposition of these two scenes, one serene and contemplative, the other animated and richly detailed, demonstrates Ryozan's exceptional versatility and artistic sophistication. Okamoto Ryozan (c. 1820-1910), born Nakamura Tatsunosuke, is widely regarded as one of the foremost Satsuma artists of the golden age of Meiji export ceramics. He trained under the distinguished 10th-generation potter Nishimura Zengoro, who bore the artistic name Ryozan. Following his master's death in 1851, Tatsunosuke adopted the name Okamoto Ryozan in tribute. He later became Head Artist at the Yasuda Company in Kyoto, where he established himself as a leading figure in Satsuma production. His works are particularly admired for their exquisite brushwork, refined compositions, and harmonious use of color and gold. The Yasuda Company, founded in 1896 by Yasuda Genshichi and Yasuda Kizaburo, was among the most respected Kyoto workshops of the late Meiji period. Renowned for its exacting standards, the firm collaborated with leading artists including Ryozan, Sozan, Kizan, Hozan, and Seikozan, producing exceptional export wares that exemplify the height of Meiji ceramic artistry. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related Satsuma ceramic vase, decorated with scenes of a spring outing by a lakeside pavilion and quail under flowering plants, by Okamoto Ryozan, dated to the late 19th century, 22.5 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 16 September 2014, New York, lot 2250 (sold for USD 25,000 or approx. EUR 31,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.