Late 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Ware Trinket Box

Details

Description

This is a rare and stunning Meiji-era (1868–1912) Satsuma ware trinket box, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship both inside and out. The … Read more This is a rare and stunning Meiji-era (1868–1912) Satsuma ware trinket box, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship both inside and out. The lobed floral shape is inspired by the chrysanthemum, a symbol of longevity and imperial heritage in Japanese culture.

The exterior of the box features vibrant, hand-painted scenes of women in traditional attire, surrounded by intricate floral and geometric patterns with rich gold accents. The interior is equally remarkable, with delicate hand-painted designs on both the lid and base, depicting gatherings of women in traditional Japanese settings.

Features:

Maker’s Mark: The base is signed with the Shimazu family crest (a circle with a cross) and the kanji reading "Made by Hōsai of Satsuma" (薩摩保斎製), confirming its authenticity and provenance.

Period: Late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji era.

Material: Ceramic with hand-painted enamel and gilding.

Interior Design: Hand-painted figural scenes on both the lid and base, a rare and highly sought-after feature.

This piece was likely crafted for the Western export market, where its ornate and intricate design would have been highly prized. It is perfect as a decorative object, jewelry box, or addition to any serious collection of Satsuma or Japanese ceramics. See less