A fine hexagonal satsuma bottle


By Nakamura Baikei, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryIntricately decorated in enamels and gilt, the body with six recessed lobed panels, each depicting a different scene bordered by geometric motifs within swirling wave patterns alternating with superimposed brocade ogi open fans, comprising (1) armour-clad warriors confronting a samurai outside a mansion (2) karako (Chinese boys) playfully surrounding Jurojin and Bishamonten (3) Chinese scholars and karako being ferried across the lake under a full moon (4) warrior and retinue hauling a large bell over water (5) family visiting a shrine (6) two passengers on a ferryboat being poled towards Mount Fuji; complemented by six raised petals encircling the neck, each enclosing a different figural scene, comprising mainly children (1) performing the Kagura dance (2) entertained by a puppeteer (3) carrying on their shoulders a rice bale in imitation of a palanquin (4) assisting an artisan at his trade (5) playing hide-and-seek (6) a tradesman carrying three paper lanterns attached to the top of a pole; the shoulder with three writhing dragons rendered in enhanced white, red and gilt enamels, the neck with fronds of elaborate jewels extending from the rim beneath a band of floral motifs enclosed within shield panels; signed on the base Nakamura Baikei zo with a gilt seal beside a long attestation and self-congratulatory inscription within a kettle-shaped cartouche. 12cm x 10.1cm (4¾in x 4in).
|ProvenanceA French private collection.For a similar hexagonal vase with indented panels by the artist, please see Louis Lawrence, Satsuma: The Romance of Japan, Meiji Satsuma Publications, Tarzana, CA, 2011, p.220, no.150.Transcription of self-congratulatory inscription:該品尤モ精巧細美ヲ極タル物ミノ其使用所之画貝并焼金ノ如キ純良ナル品質ヲ撰用シ殊ニ数回焼付[...]ベ他日変体之貴ナリ実ニ他之及所アラズ且ツ該品ハ其起工ヨリ実ニ無数之日費ヲ此ラ之ヲ造レリ普純良之物品タルハ敢テ贅言ヲ要セズ　奚