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Antique Kinkozan Kyoto Satsuma Shojo Noh Plate – Meiji Period – 4.75"
A beautiful and finely decorated antique Japanese Kyoto Satsuma (Kyo-Satsuma) plate from the Kinkozan workshop of Kyoto, depicting Shōjō (猩々), the famous red-haired supernatural figure from traditional Japanese Noh theater.
The underside bears the hand-painted iron-red Kinkozan workshop mark, 錦光山造 (Kinkōzan zō), meaning “Made by Kinkozan.”
The Kinkozan workshop was one of the important producers of finely decorated Kyoto Satsuma during the Meiji and Taishō periods. Based on the mark, decoration and construction, this example is believed to date to the Meiji period, likely circa 1900–1912.
The composition depicts Shōjō with his characteristic flowing red hair and elaborate red-orange robes, holding a finely rendered folding fan. The gold inscription beside the figure reads 猩々 (Shōjō) and identifies the Noh subject.
Especially impressive is the level of miniature detail despite the plate measuring only 4.75 inches in diameter. The fan ribs, facial features, hands and costume are delicately painted, while the robe is embellished with raised floral enamel decoration and gilt accents.
The pale ivory ground displays the fine overall crackle glaze characteristic of this type of Kyoto Satsuma ware. Gold wave motifs decorate the lower portion of the costume.
Identification:
• Maker/Workshop: Kinkozan (錦光山), Kyoto, Japan
• Mark: 錦光山造 – Kinkozan zō (“Made by Kinkozan”)
• Ware: Kyoto Satsuma / Kyo-Satsuma
• Subject: Shōjō (猩々), Noh theater
• Period: Meiji period, likely circa 1900–1912
• Individual decorator/artist: Unidentified
• Origin: Japan
• Diameter: Approximately 4.75 inches
• Decoration: Hand-painted polychrome enamels, raised enamel details and gilt on a finely crackled ground
Condition:
Excellent antique condition based on careful visual inspection. No significant chips, cracks or repairs observed. The fine overall crazing/crackle is characteristic of the glazed surface and should not be confused with damage. There may be minor age-related wear consistent with a piece of this period.
Please examine all photographs carefully, including the close-up photographs of the decoration and underside Kinkozan mark, as they form an important part of the description.
A particularly appealing small-scale example of Kinkozan Kyoto Satsuma, combining an unusual traditional Noh subject with finely executed figural painting, raised enamel and gilt decoration. 7254
