Fine Japanese Satsuma Ceramic Lidded Jar by Matsumoto Hozan

A spectacular Japanese Satsuma lidded jar made by Matsumoto Hozan (1807-1871) from Meiji Period. This is a superb example of the finest quality ware we have handled. The square-form jar showcases four equal facades; each meticulously decorated in polychrome enamels and gilt, a unique painting of figures among landscape. The extremely fine details and painstaking workmanship is nothing short of spectacle. One painting depicts a lady in kimono with her young daughter sitting by her watching a large rooster and a hen under a blooming tree. One painting shows a leisure spring day in the park under the Fuji Mountain with crowds enjoying Sakura along a river. One painting depicts two armored samurai traveling through a mountainous landscape with towering pines. One painting depicts a complimentary Sakura viewing party under Mount Fuji where a river flows under foot bridge. The two Sakura schemes with crowds were placed on opposite sides of the jar. While the other two echoed each other with only two main figures. Each image is framed within a thin border of the Greek key pattern. The top of the jar, as well as the four concaved corner, is covered with tight and overlapping fans, each with distinct motif in great details. The same decorative continues to the surface of the lid. In the center, a knob of sunflower form is surrounded by three arching leaf, all gilt in gold.
The base of the jar also showcases a rather elaborate signature. Among the tiny gilt dots, within a bundle of cherry blossom, there is green seal with a flowing stream. This is transposed by a black fan seal within which read the artist's mark: Da Nippon Kyoto East Matsumoto Hozan made this". On top there is also a mark for Yasuda Company, indicating that this piece was sold, likely exported to the west through Yasuda.
For a highly comparable square-form lidded jar, see Bonham's NY sale: Fine Japanese Works of Art , March 22, 2011, lot 3140.

Matsumoto Hozan was a renowned potter specialized in fine Satsuma ware and his studio was based on the east side of Kyoto. Born in 1807 into an esteemed potter family, Hozan began his training under the tutelage of his father. Hozan was famous for his highly detailed painting skills. His studio produced some of Satsuma ware of the highest quality using the traditional techniques in the Meiji Period. Many pieces produced by Matsumoto Hozan were in partnership with the Yasuda Company, which functioned as a dealer and export merchant of Japanese Art. Hozan received numerous awards and accolades, including recognition at the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle.