Satsuma Bowl with Lid, Japan, c. 1920

An exquisite hand-painted Japanese Satsuma lidded bowl, completely hand-painted inside and out. The lid features a classic Japanese scene with Mount Fuji, a river with sailing boats, blooming flowers, and a couple of meticulously painted birds, all masterfully decorated with gilding. The outside of the bowl is adorned with large leaves in dark green and red iron colors with gilding. This lidded bowl is truly a piece of art. The bowl is an earthenware piece with an enamel overglaze adorned with multicolored and gilded decorations, a type often referred to as Satsuma ware. Experts estimate this piece was made by Satsuma master Uoyama. Satsuma ware pieces were originally developed in Japan during the seventeenth century, specifically in the southern regions of the Japanese island of Kyushu.

The name comes from the region controlled by the Shimazu clan (Satsuma-han - officially Kagoshima and surrounding areas). The history dates back to around 1600 when Satsuma pottery was generally plain and made from dark clay, very different from the 19th-century pieces made for export to the West.

This particular bowl is export ware, made for Europe or the USA. Dimensions: Diameter: 7.4 cm, Height: 3.3 cm. Condition: Small chip on the edge of the middle rim. Otherwise, in excellent antique condition. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description.

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