206 - YABU MEIZAN: A SUPERB AND RARE SATSUMA CERAMIC INCENSE BOX (KOGO)

YABU MEIZAN: A SUPERB AND RARE SATSUMA CERAMIC INCENSE BOX (KOGO) By Yabu Meizan (1853-1934), signed Yabu Meizan Japan, c. 1890-1905, Meiji period (1868-1912) Masterfully potted and exquisitely decorated in polychrome enamels and rich gilt over a finely crackled cream glaze. The fitted cover modeled as a magnificent chrysanthemum with gilt-outlined petals surrounding a central roundel depicting boys engaged in scholarly pursuits. The sides richly decorated with a dense millefleur ground of chrysanthemums, contrasting with the restrained interiors of box and cover, each depicting a sparrow in flight amid trailing purple wisteria. Signed YABU MEIZAN in gilt to the underside. HEIGHT 3 cm (incl. cover), DIAMETER 9.3 cm Condition: Excellent condition with no visible damage or restoration under UV light. Very minor typical rubbing to gilding. Yabu Meizan (1853-1934) was one of the most accomplished and celebrated Satsuma artists of the Meiji period. Renowned for his exceptionally fine brushwork and meticulous attention to detail, he specialized in delicately painted compositions that often featured landscapes, seasonal motifs, and genre scenes. His workshop produced high-quality wares for both domestic appreciation and export, and he actively promoted his work internationally, participating in world expositions and contributing to the global success of Japanese ceramics during the height of Japonisme. The present kogo, a form only rarely explored by Meizan, is a particularly successful example of the artist’s mastery of miniature decoration. Its composition is carefully organized in distinct visual layers: the minute figural scene forms the focal point at the center, framed by the monumental radiating petals of the chrysanthemum, which in turn give way to the densely patterned floral ground encircling the sides. Upon opening the box, this almost overwhelming richness is replaced by the spacious and lyrical design of sparrows and pendant wisteria, creating a deliberate contrast between exterior abundance and interior restraint. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related satsuma earthenware incense box (kogo) and cover, by Yabu Meizan, c.1890-1905, 7.7 cm long, illustrated in Oliver Impey and Malcolm Fairley, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Japanese Art. Treasures of Imperial Japan. Ceramics Part II, 1995, no. 38.