Pair of Fine Miniature Satsuma Vase with Moriage Enamel Decoration by Seikozan

A pair of small ceramic vases with superb surface decorations 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.
The matching satsuma vases form a rare pair, and they feature dense gilt and enamel decoration in a slight moriage fashion. Each vase features two shield-shape vignettes at front and back, surrounded by gilt borders, and in between, partitioned zones of various geometrical and floral motifs in jewel-tone enamels. Each vignette depicts a boisterous scene from various stage of a festival gathering, populated by large numbers of party goers. From the preparing the initial arrival of the guests to welcome the guests at the gate, from arranging foods and drinks to the final lively banquet. The four vignettes form a continuous story board. Densely painted as it was, every character was rendered lively and completely unique, from their attires, postures, gestures, movements, down to the facial expressions, and all ages and genders were included. The dimensional composition and meticulous execution are so impressive that the images impress the viewers as a snapshot of the moment. One can feel the infection of the joyful atmosphere by looking at them.
Both vases were signed on the base "Seikozan". These are miniature masterpieces, pinnacle in workmanship and rarely available as a pair with spatial and temporal pictorial narratives.