Museum-scale Kyoto Satsuma Vase By Seiko-en Chokei, Meiji Period

This museum-scale Kyoto Satsuma vase presents an immersive late Meiji narrative, painted in a continuous panorama of scholars and Daoist immortals along a riverbank. The baluster form with gilt key-fret foot is completely encircled by finely shaded polychrome enamels and dense raised gold that read almost like brocade. Portrait-like faces, intricate hands and subtle expressions reveal a painter working at the upper limit of Kyoto Satsuma craftsmanship. Rotation of the vase reveals new scenes, emphasising its panoramic conception.

The base inscription, read as “Satsuma-yaki, Seiko-en, Chokei ga”, supported by red seals “Seiko / 盛廣” and “Dai Nihon”, attributes the vase to the Kyoto studio Seiko-en and the painter Chokei. Lack of documented large signed examples in Western archives confirms the rarity of such work.

Measurements
• Height: 35.5 cm (13.9″)
• Diameter: 28.6 cm (11.3″)
• Weight: approx. 4,529 g

Condition
Very good antique condition with strong, intact gilding and enamel work. A small rim hairline and star-shaped glaze crack to the base are stable and glaze-confined under UV. No structural cracks or restorations.

Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling, and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.