A TAISHŌ PERIOD SATSUMA EARTHENWARE VASE, JAPAN, 1912-1926

Of full ovoid form with a boldly flared rim, the body painted all around with the Eighteen Buddhist Disciples (Jūhachi Rakan) - each face individually drawn with striking character, their haloed figures rising through swirling gold clouds and crashing waves. A white enamel dragon coils powerfully across the lower body, its scales finely picked out against a dark stippled ground. The neck and collar are richly gilt with repeated wave scrolls. The creamy crackle-glazed base is marked with the Shimazu clan crest and six-character Taishō reign inscription in gold.

Ht. 12 inches