As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this larger scale Meiji period (1868-1912) Satsuma ware circular incense box (kogo) painted at the highly regarded Kinkozan studios, the kogo quality and subject matter more typical of the output of the factory retained artist Sozan or an artist of Sozans superior quality of workmanship. The lid of this deep box depicts four charming scenes of a waterfall, a cockerel amidst flora, butterflies and a dragonfly in flight, as well as the character Momotaro ( peach boy) sat amidst his various animals dressed in robes, the remainder of the lid decorated with finely painted flora. The underside of the kogo is decorated with a band of a dozen individually decorated overlapping fans interspersed with roses upon a fine gilt ground, the base also carries the signature seal and impressed mark for Kinkozan. The edges to the box meet up in an exact way to display multicoloured diaper pattern shapes upon a vibrant gilt ground. However, as is often the case with the best Meiji period art this artist has left the best until last, as you open the box you reveal two sumptuosly decorated inner scenes of native fruits and vegetables painted in the finest detail against a ground of fine gold dust stipple work, very simple traditional Japanese taste and simply exquisite paintwork, certainly from the higher echlons of the Kinkozan studios output, and highly likely to be Sozan. Signed Kinkozan and with an impressed seal to the underside.
Condition Report :
The Kogo is in perfect condition with minimal age related wear.
Approximate Sizes :
Diameter : 4 1/4″ 11 cm
Height : 2 1/4″ 6 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.