Rare Kinkozan Satsuma Vase With Dragon And Butterflies, Signed, C.1890

A rare late-Meiji Satsuma vase by Kinkozan, Kyoto, Japan, c.1890. Elegant tobin-gata form with twin loop handles and finely crackled cream glaze. Entirely hand-decorated in raised moriage enamels and rich gilding. One side shows a powerful dragon soaring among clouds; the reverse features delicate butterflies in flight — a symbolic balance between strength and transformation. The decoration was executed with “liquid gold” (mizukane), a hallmark of Kinkozan’s Kyoto workshop. The red under-base mark reads “Nihon Kinkozan-zō,” or “Made by Kinkozan, Japan,” confirming its authenticity as a genuine work from one of Japan’s finest Meiji studios. A superb example of Kinkozan craftsmanship, combining technical brilliance and poetic imagery.                                                                                                                                                                                    A highly collectible late-Meiji signed work by Kinkozan, sought after for its large scale and flawless raised enamel decoration. Dimensions: height 30.5 cm; diameter 16 cm; weight 1273 g                                                                                                                                                                     Condition: Excellent antique condition, only fine glaze craquelure typical of age. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them.