A FINE PAIR OF SATSUMA VASES, KYOTO, MEIJI PERIOD c.1880–1910

Each vase is formed in the classic ovoid baluster with fully modelled gilt dragon handles. The ivory crackle ground carries two narrative programmes: a bijin procession of court ladies in richly patterned kimono on one face, and a dense warrior assembly of armoured samurai on the reverse - the canonical pairing of courtly and martial subjects, executed with the fine figure drawing and heavy millefiori gold work characteristic of quality Kyoto export Satsuma.

Geometric lozenge borders dress the neck, shoulder, and foot; a continuous gilt scroll band crowns the rim. The base bears the red overglaze mark 服部製 (Hattori-sei) with the workshop's quartered circle mon — a confirmed named attribution of some distinction.

Ht. 14.5 inches