Japanese Satsuma Kyoto Dragon Bowl, Late Meiji

A richly decorated Kyoto Satsuma bowl from the late Meiji period, conceived as a luxury object with strong visual impact. The interior shows an elegant spring gathering under flowering cherry trees, painted over a finely stippled ivory ground. Every robe is detailed with controlled gilding and pastel enamels, giving the scene an atmospheric softness.

The exterior, reserved in deep gosu cobalt, carries two powerful dragons in raised gold. Their finely modelled scales and flowing whiskers create a jewellery-like shimmer as the bowl is turned. This combination—dense figural painting inside and double dragon decoration outside—is typical of upper-tier Kyoto workshops working for the export market around 1890–1910.

The base bears the Shimazu crest above a red-and-gold cartouche. The four-character signature has been read both as Kinseizan and Kinkozan, though its cursive style leaves the precise attribution open.

• Height: 7.3 cm (2.87″)

• Diameter: 18.2 cm (7.17″)

• Weight: 585 g

Excellent antique condition. Light rubbing to the rim gilding and a small superficial gold scratch. No cracks or restorations; UV inspection clean. The piece displays beautifully.

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