Pair of Vintage Japanese Soko China Black and Gold Mount Fuji Vases, c.1930s

A striking matched pair of vintage Japanese Soko China vases, dating to the early Showa period, likely circa 1930s. The elegant baluster-shaped forms are decorated in rich gold against a matte black ground, creating a dramatic and refined presentation.

Each vase features a complementary mirror-image landscape composition with Mount Fuji, traditional pagodas, bridges, pine trees, waterfalls and Japanese architectural details. Intricate geometric gilt borders encircle the upper sections, while further gold detailing highlights the rims and bases. Displayed together, the vases create a beautifully balanced decorative pair with strong visual presence.

The undersides bear Soko China Hand Painted Satsuma marks associated with the Japanese trade name Soko China and the artist or workshop mark 湊光, read as Minato Hikari or Hikaru.

Details

Item: Pair of decorative vases

Maker / Trade Name: Soko China

Associated Mark: 湊光, read as Minato Hikari or Hikaru

Origin: Japan

Date / Period: Early Showa period, likely circa 1930s

Material: Glazed earthenware pottery

Style: Japanese Satsuma-style ware

Decoration: Hand-painted gilt Mount Fuji landscapes with pagodas, bridges, pine trees, waterfalls, traditional buildings and geometric borders on a matte black ground

Features: Complementary mirror-image pair

Height: 21 cm each

Condition

Excellent vintage condition with minimal age-related wear. Please review the photographs carefully for the full condition.

Historical and Collector Context

Soko China was a westernised trade name used on Japanese decorative wares during the early Showa period. Despite the use of the word “China”, Soko China Satsuma-style pieces were commonly made from glazed earthenware pottery rather than porcelain. Examples are often associated with the mark 湊光, read as Minato Hikari or Hikaru.

This pair is particularly appealing for its generous size, dramatic matte black ground and finely detailed gilt landscapes. The mirror-image presentation enhances the symmetry of the composition, making the vases especially attractive for display on a mantelpiece, console table or within a collection of early 20th-century Japanese decorative ceramics.

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.