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Exceptional Large Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Koro — Rakan / Buddhist Figures — Attributed to Gyokuzan — 13.5 Inches
A magnificent and unusually large Japanese Satsuma covered koro, dating to the Meiji period, late 19th century, richly decorated with Buddhist Rakan/Arhat figures and attendants amid an atmospheric mountain landscape.
Measuring approximately 13.5 inches tall, this is an imposing example of Meiji-period Satsuma and displays an extraordinary level of decorative workmanship.
The body is painted with highly individualized Buddhist figures wearing elaborately patterned robes enriched with extensive gilding. Particularly striking are the expressive faces of the Rakan, rendered with exceptionally fine line work, individual wrinkles, eyebrows, eyes and anatomical modeling.
The decoration incorporates an extraordinary variety of techniques, including:
* Extensive raised and stippled gilding
* Minute kinran-de / gold-brocade style textile patterns
* Intricately patterned robes with numerous individual geometric and floral designs
* Hundreds of minute gilt dots forming the Buddhist halos
* Finely painted attendants and ceremonial objects
* Delicate blue-gray mountain landscapes
* Softly rendered clouds and mist composed of extraordinarily fine stippling
* Subtle gilt highlights throughout the landscape
* Elaborately gilded pierced handles
* Three decorated feet
* Original pierced cover with large sculptural gilt finial
One of the most beautiful aspects of the decoration is the contrast between the intensely detailed figures and the restrained landscape. Soft blue-gray mountains emerge through finely stippled mist and clouds, producing an almost Japanese ink-painting effect behind the richly gilded Buddhist figures.
The underside retains the remains of a substantially worn gilt Satsuma inscription and what appears to be a separate crest/mon. Based upon the surviving mark format, period, decorative quality and stylistic characteristics, we believe the piece may be attributable to Gyokuzan.
The quality of the decoration is truly exceptional.
Condition
Great antique condition considering age and scale.
There is age-related rubbing and loss to portions of the gilding, particularly around projecting and frequently handled areas. very minor repair to one handle.
Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the detailed close-ups, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Dimensions
Height: approximately 13.5 inches
Approximately 13.5 inches across at its broadest point.
Dating / Attribution
Japan, Meiji period, late 19th century
Satsuma ware
Attributed to Gyokuzan (玉山), based upon surviving mark and stylistic characteristics; attribution not guaranteed due to extensive wear to inscription.
