Mirror Pair of Japanese Soko China Hand-Painted Satsuma-Style Landscape Vases, Early Showa c.1930s

A beautifully balanced mirror pair of Japanese Soko China hand-painted Satsuma-style earthenware vases, dating to the early Showa period, circa 1930s.

Each vase is decorated with a complementary Japanese landscape scene featuring mountain peaks, pine trees, waterfalls, flowing streams and traditional thatched cottages. The soft ivory ground is enriched with finely applied enamel colours and raised gilt detailing, while the red-and-gold geometric shoulder borders and gilt rims create an elegant decorative finish.

The mirrored composition is especially appealing: the two vases are designed to be displayed together, with the landscape scenes facing inward as a harmonious pair. Their refined proportions and detailed decoration make them ideal for a mantelpiece, display cabinet, console table or curated Japanese ceramics collection.

The bases are marked Soko China Hand Painted Satsuma with an additional seal mark. Soko China was a Western-facing trade name used on Japanese Satsuma-style export wares during the early Showa period. Specialist references associate the name with Minato Hikari or Hikaru 湊光. The wording “China” forms part of the trade name and does not indicate Chinese manufacture or porcelain material; these are Japanese glazed earthenware ceramic pieces.

Details

Item: Matched mirror pair of decorative vases

Maker / Mark: Soko China Hand Painted Satsuma with an additional seal mark

Origin: Japan

Period: Early Showa period, circa 1930s

Material: Glazed earthenware ceramic with hand-painted enamels and raised gilt decoration

Decoration: Complementary mountain landscapes with pine trees, waterfalls, streams and traditional thatched cottages

Height: 19 cm each

Condition

Excellent vintage condition with no cracks, chips or repairs. Fine age-related crazing is consistent with the ceramic type. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Soko China is a trade name associated with Japanese Satsuma-style export wares from the early Showa period. Matched mirror pairs are especially decorative and are less commonly encountered than individual vases. This pair stands out for its balanced composition, detailed landscape decoration and strong visual symmetry.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may display light signs of age. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. Feel free to contact us with any questions before purchase.