Japanese Miniature Satsuma Vase Yabu Meizan Meiji

A small Satsuma vase from the studio of Yabu Meizan (birth name Yabu Masashichi; 1853-1934), who is one of the most celebrated and collectible 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 markets. He participated many international exposes at the turn of the 20th century and won numerous awards for his creation. This vase is typical of his work from 1900s onward when he favored a less dense composition. The design was ingenious by using the space of the vase as a canvas. The upper part of the vase was draped with maple branches cascading with autumn leaves in shimmering red and gold. Underneath, on the lower part of the vase, are a circular vignette of finely painted characters in small groups. Dressed in traditional kimono, the domestic scenes were mostly populated by women and children. Some scenes are women playing toys with children or catching dragonflies with fans. One scene depicts women working on kimono (stenciling maybe?). These realistic figures in motion 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 base is marked with the golden seal of Yabu Meizan.
Boys at play is one of the beloved subject matters in the work of Yabu Meizan. For reference see "Satsuma the Romance of Japan by Louis Lawrence", Page 34-48.