Fine Japanese Satsuma Vase with Superb Decoration by Seikozan

A ceramic vase in tapered square form made by Japanese studio Seikozan circa 1890-1910s (late Meiji Period). One of the many artist studios that specialized in satsuma ware, Seikozan was perhaps a handful exceptional establishment in Kobe that produced masterpieces with the highest quality and craftmanship, comparable to the work from the studio of Yabu Meizan. The output was small and most limited to miniature scale with impeccably detailed surface decoration.
This vase is a masterpiece, a tour-de force of the finest artistry. The four facades showcase four distinct landscape sceneries in poetic composition and with stunning details, each is a masterful painting on its own. There is a snowy scene showing a stone step pass leading up to a temple lined with stone lanterns, bridge and a Torii gates. Heavy snow piled on the branches of the pines. A second scene shows a Torri gate half hidden under a full moon across the water. The third scene features a mountainous landscape with groves of pines and red maple flanking a gorge. The last one depicts a lovely arrangement of autumn seeded grasses and flowers swaying in the wind. The four landscapes are apparently united by the seasonal scheme of autumn and winter. They evoke a strong sense of romance in the tradition of "Mountain Water" painting flourished in China and Japan. The shoulder of the vase is covered with Mille-Fleur design and the foot is circumvented with a gilt band with geometrical pattern.
The vase is signed "Seikozan Sei" on the bottom and also noted with a collection number.
For more information on Seikozan and other similar works, refer to "Satsuma Masterpieces from the world's important collection" and "Satsuma the Romance of Japan" by Louis Lawrence.