Pair of Early 20th-Century Japanese Satsuma-Style Moriage Vases with Samurai and Cherry Blossom Decoration

A decorative pair of early 20th-century Japanese Satsuma-style moriage vases, hand-painted with traditional samurai figures and stylised cherry blossom trees. The vases feature finely raised enamel detailing, gilt highlights and deep cobalt-blue glazed borders, creating an attractive contrast with the softly crackled ground.

Each vase is decorated on one side with an armoured samurai figure in richly detailed robes and on the reverse with a blossoming tree landscape. The applied moriage dots and raised enamel accents add texture across the floral, landscape and figural decoration. Handwritten red workshop or production marks are present on the bases, although the exact reading has not been confirmed.

Details

Item: Pair of Japanese Satsuma-style moriage vases
Origin: Japan
Date / Period: Likely late Taisho to early Showa period, circa 1920s–1930s
Material: Glazed earthenware
Style: Japanese Satsuma-style export ware
Decoration: Hand-painted samurai figures, stylised cherry blossom trees, gilt highlights and raised moriage enamel
Colours: Cobalt blue, cream, pink, green, burgundy and gold
Marks: Handwritten red workshop or production marks to the bases; exact reading not confirmed
Measurements: Approximately 19 cm high each

Condition

Presentable vintage condition with visible age-related wear. Both vases show crazing to the glaze, rubbing and loss to sections of the gilding, and wear around the foot rims and raised decoration. A fine line is visible across the underside of one base, as shown in the close-up photograph. Please review all photographs carefully for the full condition of the pair.

Historical and Collector Context

Moriage decoration was widely used on Japanese export ceramics during the late Meiji, Taisho and early Showa periods. The technique involves applying raised enamel dots and lines to create a tactile surface, often combined with gilding and richly coloured figural scenes. Samurai subjects and blossoming tree motifs were particularly appealing to Western buyers seeking decorative Japanese ceramics in the early 20th century. This matched pair is a visually strong example of that export tradition, with complementary figural and landscape panels on each vase.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. We are happy to provide further details or images on request.