Satsuma box. Japan, late 19th-early 20th century.

Satsuma box; Japan, late 19th-early 20th century.
Glazed and gilded ceramic.
Exhibits sligthly wear consistent with age and use.
It has a seal on the base.
Measurements: 11 x 16 cm.
Circular box whose ornamentation defines it within the Satsuma style, which was developed since the early eighteenth 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. Generally, the motifs are brushed in gold glaze, a novelty compared to previous styles. In addition, the ornamentation is completed with a wide variety of polychrome glazes: green, red, white, turquoise, pink and, above all, "gosu" blue, the most sought after of all, with a very dark tone and typical of the best Satsuma of the 19th century. They are also very thick glazes, sometimes even with relief.