Pair of planters Satsuma

Pair of Satsuma flower pots.
Meiji period, late 19th century-early 20th century.
Measurements: 46 x 40 cm (diameter).
This pair of decorated flower pots is part of the Satsuma production, which was made since the beginning of the 18th century on the island of Kyushu. In the second half of the 18th century it became so popular in Japan that the production center was moved to Awata, near Kyoto. In the 19th century, Satsuma production became known in the West and a large number of pieces were made for export. It was then that vases and plates decorated with scenes of geisha or samurai became popular, as until then floral and zoomorphic decoration had predominated. The paste can be porcelain or, more often, a very light, porous light terracotta. The glaze is feldspathic, mixed with wood ash. The most characteristic feature of Satsuma pottery is its decorative richness, sometimes even exaggerated, even reaching the "horror vacui", as can be seen in these specimens. Generally, the motifs are brushed in golden enamel, a novelty with respect to previous styles. In addition, the ornamentation is completed with a wide variety of polychrome enamels. They are, on the other hand, very thick enamels, which sometimes even have relief, as can be seen in this pair of vases.