A Pair of Japanese Satsuma Earthenware Vases by Ryokuzan (緑山), Meiji period (1868–1912)

Of elegant shouldered square tapering form rising from a circular foot, each vase is finely painted and richly gilt with continuous scenes of the Seven Gods of Fortune (Shichifukujin) in animated procession across a softly stippled ivory ground.

The figures are rendered with exceptional movement and character: robes flowing, expressions lively, and attributes carefully observed. The delicate speckled ground gives depth and atmosphere, allowing the deities to appear almost suspended within the space rather than fixed upon the surface — a painterly quality particularly associated with the Ryokuzan studio in the late Meiji period.

The shoulders form a striking architectural band, decorated on a deep iron-red ground with scrolling gilt karakusa and circular reserves enclosing finely painted hō-ō (phoenix) medallions. Formal gilt roundels punctuate the design, creating a brocade-like framing device above the narrative scenes. This richly ornamented shoulder treatment is a recognised feature of Ryokuzan’s most accomplished work.

Each vase stands on a neatly finished circular foot and bears to the base the Shimazu mon, an iron-red cartouche, and a gilt seal reading Ryokuzan (緑山).

Height: 19 cm each

Condition: Excellent antique condition. Very minor and expected age wear to the gilt. No cracks, restorations, or losses.

A refined and beautifully balanced pair demonstrating the decorative sophistication, painterly confidence, and ornamental richness for which the Ryokuzan studio is celebrated in late Meiji Satsuma ware.