AN EXCELLENT DEEP SATSUMA BOWL DEPICTING KANNON AND TWO ONI ATTRIBUTED TO THE KINKOZAN WORKSHOP

Satsuma ceramic
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)


The deep bowl is elaborately decorated on the inside with the goddess Kannon, her robes flowing and covered beautifully with gilt enamels and floral patterns. She has split the earth below her feet, revealing a river to ward off the evil spirits in the form of two oni, their robes equally ornately decorated. The outside of the bowl with a fine and elaborate pattern on the rim and a brocade pattern on the lower part of the bowl.

Louis Lawrence, who has published several books on satsuma, has attributed this piece to the Kinkozan workshop (see literature).

Shape: Deep bowl with a circular, slightly raised foot
Dimensions: Height 7.6 cm, Diameter 17.6 cm
Condition: Mint condition
Provenance: American private collection

Literature comparison: Compare to a vase executed in similar style signed Kinkozan, note the similarities in gilding of the robes, execution of the clouds and ornate patterns of the borders, illustrated in Satsuma Masterpieces from the world’s important collections, Louis Lawrence, London, 1991, page 160, no. 81