SHIZAN: A MAGNIFICENT SATSUMA CERAMIC TRAY WITH TEMPLE SCENE

SHIZAN: A MAGNIFICENT SATSUMA CERAMIC TRAY WITH TEMPLE SCENE
By Shizan, signed Shizan sei
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The rectangular satsuma tray finely potted and magnificently painted with bright polychrome enamels and rich gilt against a creamy-white crackled glaze, depicting a lively scene inside a temple complex with ladies engaged in various festive activities, the scenes separated by byobu screens beautifully painted with butterflies, flowers, and birds, the temple garden visible in the distance. The inner rim is decorated with a superbly painted millefleur motif, and the outer rim decorated with gilt scroll against a black ground. Signed to the back within a gilt cartouche SHIZAN sei [made by Shizan].
SIZE 14.2 x 22.6 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear and rubbing to gilt.
Provenance:
From an old Parisian private collection.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related satsuma tray with similarly decorated rim, measuring 24.5 cm across, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 15 March 2017, New York, lot 6249 (
sold for 16,250 USD
).