Pair of vases; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1900.

Pair of vases; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1900.
Hand painted porcelain.
Slight cracks.
Signed on the base.
Measurements: 38 x 21 cm (x2).
Pair of vases with elongated body and elegantly curved profile that narrows towards the neck, ending in a wide and slightly curved mouth. The decoration, characteristic of Meiji period Satsuma porcelain, is executed with meticulous enamel painting in shades of red, ochre, gold and black, with abundant use of gold leaf to highlight ornamental details and brighten the surfaces.
Against an ivory background, courtly scenes are set in gardens and pavilions, where female figures dressed in rich kimonos engage in leisure and contemplation. These scenes, surrounded by delicate floral motifs, stylized clouds and architectural elements, reflect the refined life and aesthetic ideals of the Japanese aristocracy.
During the Meiji era, Japan opened up to international trade and developed an intense artistic production destined for the Western market. These porcelains, of exquisite workmanship and elaborate ornamentation, represent the balance between Japanese craftsmanship tradition and the influence of European taste for the exotic. Courtly themes, idealized landscapes and the exuberant use of gilding sought to impress the foreign collector, turning these pieces into symbols of sophistication and technical mastery.