Kinkozan Sobei Signed Meiji Period Japanese Kyo-Satsuma Purple Flower Vase with Gilt Dragon, Japan

A rare and very pleasing composition from the KINKŌZAN WORKSHOP - this particular vase has a waisted top section with a 3-dimensional model of an applied gilt dragon on the shoulder area. Hand painted with crisp white flowers possibly daisies or chrysanthemums, branches, and butterflies/moths, that continue around the entire body - all evidence that this was painted by a master craftsman.. 

Gold, maroon and burnt orange ornate borders at the top rim and waist. The painting against a striking gradient glaze transitioning from cream at the base to a rare deep purple / hints of midnight blue.  Purple was associated with royalty or nobility in Japan.

Hand painted mark on the underside for Kinkozan Sobei.

Circa 1900.  Awata Kiln, Kinkozan Sobei VI (1823-1884) and Kinkozan Sobei VII (1868-1927). Awata Kiln is considered to be the oldest kiln of the Kyoto ceramics.

Condition is good for age. Typical glaze craquelure & spider cracks (in glaze only) mainly evident in the cream colors at the top and bottom rims.  Wear to gilt commensurate with age.

12" high x 9" diameter.

6 pounds.

The Kinkozan family have been associated with pottery since 1645. They went on to become the largest producer of Satsuma ware, from the end of the 19th Centruy until 1927 after which the factory closed.  Examples of his work are hold by muesums such as the Victoria & Albert in London and of course, Japanese Muesums.