Finely Decorated Antique Japanese Meiji (1868-1912) Satsuma Bowl, Signed Fukube

  

The inner surface decorated in extensive detail with three shaped panels on a detailed floral and patterned scrollwork ground. Each panel is painted with a scholar and attendants in an exterior landscape, a scene of Mount Fuji, and a blossoming branch with butterflies. The outer surface of the bowl is painted with a band of flowers between geometric zigzag bands in gold on red. The base is signed with a two character mark in gold on red, which reads'Fukube'.

Painstakingly hand painted with beautiful detailed decoration in gilt and various polychrome enamels (moriage), the fine crackling (Kannyu) of the soft, creamy glaze is typical and was used more to give richness and depth to the colours. The enamel and gilding is applied on top of the glaze so that it stands proud of the surface.

Satsuma pottery dates back to the 16th century and is still produced today in southern Japan around the Kagoshima region. The distinguishing features of Satsuma ceramics are they have an ivory, creamy or off-white and sometime beige appearance. The pottery is then hand painted with brightly coloured enamels, gold and silver, in fine, intricate designs with careful attention to detail.

The finest details were painted using a single rat's hair. This allowed the painter to create lifelike expressions on faces and exquisite detailing on robes. Most Satsuma artists decorated them freehand with traditional Japanese motifs and patterns such as foliage and flowers, landscapes, real and mythical birds and human figures engaged in ceremonial, military, or domestic activities. The thin translucent glaze with its applied design decoration deliberately ends up with a crackled finish. Height: 4.4 cm or 1 3/4 inches.

Diameter: 11.8 cm or 4 5/8 inches. Combined unpackaged weight: 161 grams. In good antique condition, without damage or restoration, showing only minor wear to the gilding to the upper rim. Please see the images provided which complement this description.

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This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian/Oriental Antiques\Japanese\Bowls". The seller is "phoenixchild0" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Region of Origin: Japanese
2. Country of Origin: Japan
3. Product: Bowl
4. Age: 1850-1899
5. Primary Material: Porcelain/ Pottery
6. Antique: Yes
7. Sub-Type: Satsuma
8. Original/Repro: Antique Original