Hododa, Satsuma Cup Signed "taizan," Featuring Rakan And Dragons, Japan, Circa 1900

Japanese Satsuma ceramic cup, painted by Taizan for the Hododa family, Meiji period, circa 1900. Despite its small size, it features a miniature painting of great precision, particularly evident in the characters’ eyes, eyebrows, hair, and expressions.

The interior features Buddhist figures with halos, including rakans, alongside a sinuous white dragon. Temple buildings and a mountainous landscape complete the composition. The robes are covered with intricate golden motifs, while fine white accents enliven the dark background. Additional dragons and the Shimazu family crest adorn the exterior.

The vessel, with thin walls and a polylobed rim, features a crackled cream glaze, overglaze polychrome enamels, abundant gilding, and small raised details.

The gilded cartouche bears 大日本, Dainippon (“Greater Japan”); 薩摩焼, Satsuma-yaki (“Satsuma ware”); 對山作, Taizan saku (“work of Taizan”); and 保土田特製, Hododa tokusei (“specially made by Hododa”), along with the Shimazu emblem. The term “tokusei” denotes a line of superior quality within Hododa’s production.

Excellent vintage condition, with slight surface wear on the gilding. No chips or structural cracks. Examination under ultraviolet light revealed no evidence of restoration. The fine network of craquelure is part of the glaze.

Takichi Hododa, born in 1868, began trading in ceramics around 1890. His production is generally dated to the period 1890–1920. Based in Sakai-chō, Yokohama, his firm participated in the 1904 St. Louis Exposition. Hododa ceramics are held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

The “Taizan” signature and the “Hododa” mark enhance this piece’s appeal for a collection of Japanese ceramics, particularly as a display piece.

Diameter: 11 cm; height: 4.7 cm; weight: 166 g.

Carefully packaged, with tracked and insured shipping. The shipping cost includes professional packaging, materials, handling, and transportation. The photographs are part of the description. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.