Antique Satsuma-yaki Bowl

[Soshin]

This month I have been researching this antique Satsuma-yaki style decorative bowl for listing on my website that I had added to my collection back in late 2022. I did find some helpful information here: Japanese Satsuma Pottery. It has a hand painted kiln mark on the bottom of the bowl 'Senzan (先山)’ which is the name of the workshop that made the bowl.  I am thinking it was made after about 1880 CE, likely during the late Meiji or Taisho Period. The decorative bowl measures 15.5 cm (6.1 inches) diameter and 7.0 cm (2.8 inches) high. Any additional information or online resources would be helpful. A respectful and polite discussion of the Japanese art item is also welcome. Thank you. 

 

 

 

 

 

[John C]

David:

In general, Daruma Magazine issues have many articles on pottery. Issue #45 specifically has some info on Satsuma earthenware. Issue #12 has an article on Contemporary Ceramics in the Royal Ontario Museum. Here is a link to their article index:

https://www.darumamagazine.com/new-index

 

John C.

[Soshin]

Hi @John C,

 

I will look at it, thank you for reminding me about Daruma Magazine. I remember when that magazine closed a few years ago. I have a few issues on my bookshelf as well to check. 

[Matsunoki]

Hi David, your bowl is indeed “Satsuma” pottery (not porcelain as many think). It is very late Meiji, possibly Taisho and was manufactured in some quantity for the export market. The crackle glazing is deliberate. The use of autumn maples in overglaze decoration is a direct crib from the late works of the highly rated artist Yabu Meizan who utilised them in greatly simplified (and thus cheaper!) works later in his production. 
However I think you may have get the signature wrong….I believe it is Kozan (see attached image). There were several studios using the signature Kozan so not possible to be more precise. It would be the work of a small “factory” rather than by a single known artist.

Best. Colin

[Matsunoki]

….autumn maples by Yabu Meizan 

https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/355854/a-Japanese-satsuma-baluster-vase-by-yabu-meizan

[Soshin]

5 hours ago, Matsunoki said:

However I think you may have get the signature wrong….I believe it is Kozan (see attached image). There were several studios using the signature Kozan so not possible to be more precise. It would be the work of a small “factory” rather than by a single known artist.

 

 Yes, the (光山) "Kozan" mark you have in your photo does looks exactly like the mark at the bottom of my bowl. Thank you, this is really helpful, and it does also confirm the time period of production of the antique bowl.