Japanese Satsuma Bowl, Chōshūzan, Decorated With Figures, Meiji Period

A very fine Japanese Satsuma cup from the Meiji period, signed Dai Nippon Satsuma, Chōshūzan, with the painter Kagetsu credited. This piece is distinguished by its exceptionally high quality of execution, far surpassing typical export production. The composition is rich, dense, and perfectly controlled, with lively figurative decoration rendered with great precision. The center is decorated with a complex scene of figures, executed with remarkable attention to detail. The faces are finely modeled and retain, even at high magnification, a clear and vibrant expression. The clothing, accessories, and secondary elements are rendered with great care, while the abundant gilding creates a sumptuous visual effect without compromising the legibility of the scene. The subtle relief work and stippled gold highlights further enhance the overall decorative richness. The undulating rim contributes fully to the elegance of the form and frames the central scene with great refinement. This is a fine example of high-quality Satsuma ceramics, made for a clientele who appreciated highly decorative yet technically accomplished pieces. The Chōshūzan mark is a well-known and respected name in the field of quality Satsuma. Works bearing this mark have been offered and sold at prestigious international auction houses, including Christie's, Bonhams, and Lyon & Turnbull, confirming its established presence in the specialist market. The object bears an old label on the reverse in English reading “Great Japan / Satsuma / Authentic.” This label is old but later than the piece's manufacture and should be considered a dealer's or collector's label, not a workshop mark. The painted stamp, on the other hand, is much more important for attribution. Condition: a small chip on the rim, visible in the photograph. The rest is in very good condition, with no other notable flaws observed. The overall presentation is excellent. Dimensions: diameter 20 cm; height 4.5 cm; weight 588 g. Please examine the attached photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.