Pair of Japanese Koshida Kyō-Satsuma Landscape Vases, c.1910–1935

An elegant matched pair of Japanese Kyō-Satsuma miniature vases, bearing the distinctive Koshida (越田) workshop mark and decorated with finely painted mountain landscapes, traditional Japanese architecture and intricate gilding.

Attributed to the Taishō to early Shōwa period, circa 1910–1935, these charming 12 cm vases reflect the decorative artistry associated with the celebrated Kyoto Satsuma tradition.

Each vase features a graceful baluster-shaped body, a narrow neck and a rounded gilt rim. The complementary landscape compositions depict mist-covered mountains, peaceful waterways, traditional Japanese pagodas, small boats and trees, carefully rendered in soft shades of blue, green, russet and pink.

Delicate gold detailing highlights the architectural structures, foliage and landscape features. The finely drawn pagodas and trees are particularly attractive, contrasting beautifully with the softer painted mountains and tranquil waters.

Rich terracotta-red geometric borders, embellished with gold, decorate the shoulders and lower bodies, while the finely crackled cream-coloured glaze provides a characteristic Satsuma background.

Both vases bear rectangular red-and-gilt marks reading Koshida (越田), identifying the Kyoto workshop or trading firm associated with their production.

Details

• Maker / Workshop: Koshida (越田)
• Origin: Kyoto, Japan
• Period: Probably Taishō to early Shōwa, circa 1910–1935 (attributed)
• Style: Kyō-Satsuma / Kyoto Satsuma
• Material: Glazed earthenware with polychrome enamel and gilt decoration
• Type: Matched pair of miniature decorative vases
• Decoration: Mountain landscapes, pagodas, trees, waterways and small boats
• Colours: Cream, pale blue, green, terracotta red, gold and soft pink
• Markings: Rectangular red-and-gilt Koshida (越田) marks beneath both vases
• Height: 12 cm each
• Quantity: Two matching vases
• Individual Decorator: Unidentified

Condition

Both vases are in very good antique condition, with no chips, cracks or hairline fractures.

The surfaces display fine glaze crazing characteristic of Satsuma-style ceramics, together with minor age-related wear to the gilding, particularly around the rims and decorative borders.

Some light surface marks and minor interior discolouration are consistent with age and previous handling.

The painted landscapes and intricate gilt decoration remain attractive and well preserved.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Historical Context

Kyō-Satsuma, or Kyoto Satsuma, developed during the Meiji period as Japanese workshops responded to growing international demand for finely decorated ceramics.

Produced in Kyoto, these wares became particularly admired for their delicate crackled glazes, carefully painted landscapes, elaborate architectural scenes and rich gold decoration.

Koshida (越田) was a Kyoto-based ceramic workshop and trading firm associated with the production of decorative Satsuma wares for domestic and international markets.

The firm operated across several periods, from Meiji through the early Shōwa era, with later post-war production also documented. The marks identify the Koshida business rather than an individual painter, and the precise dating of this pair remains stylistic rather than independently verified.

The landscapes decorating these vases reflect traditional Japanese artistic themes, combining mountains, waterways, temple architecture and woodland scenery into harmonious compositions.

A Distinctive Matched Pair

With their complementary landscapes, richly detailed gilding and identifiable Koshida marks, these Japanese Kyō-Satsuma vases make an appealing addition to a collection of Japanese ceramics or early 20th-century decorative arts.

Their compact proportions make them particularly suitable for a display cabinet, mantelpiece or carefully curated antique interior.

Offered together as a matched pair.