Japanese Meiji Satsuma Bud Vase Yabu Meizan

A small Satsuma bud vase from the studio of Yabu Meizan (???), birth name Yabu Masashichi (1853 – 1934), who is perhaps the most celebrated and collected Satsuma artists from Meiji Period. From his studio in Osaka, Yabu Meizan oversaw the production of the finest Satsuma wares for both domestic and export market. He participated many international expose at the turn of the 20th century and won numerous awards for his creation. This small bud vase is typical of his work from early period circa 1900s. It features two narratives on two opposite sides of the vase, framed by his signature dense chrysanthemum border. One side is a classic Meizan scene of miniature characters scattered on a white background, appearing to be a school with children. Many of these realistic figures are robed in vivid colors such as turquoise and pink, giving the piece a jewel-like appearance that perhaps only Yabu Meizan could achieve; The other side showcases a nature scene with a bird perched on a blooming branch. Front the should toward the mouth rim, a dense border of lily blossoms extends toward the center, with tiny butterflies hovering over. On the mouth rim, a geometrical border with circle features a black enamel background, another rare feature among the Satsuma ware. The base is marked with the golden seal of Yabu Meizan.