Meiji Satsuma Leaf Plate Signed Juzan Masterpiece 19thC Kyoto Ware Japanese Ant For Sale

An Exceptionally Rare and Important 19th-Century Japanese Kyo-Satsuma Relief Earthenware Fan-Shaped Plate
Exquisitely Hand-Painted and Double-Signed by the Master Decorator JUZAN (寿山) – Meiji Period (circa 1880)
Overview & Art Historical Significance
Artistic Avenue Gallery Art and Museum is proud to present a museum-grade masterpiece of late 19th-century Japanese ceramic art. This extraordinary fan-shaped (or stylized leaf) plate represents the absolute pinnacle of Kyo-Satsuma (Kyoto-Satsuma) production from the golden Meiji Era (1868–1912). Unlike mass-produced export wares of the later trade periods, this specific item is an authentic, individual artwork crafted and decorated by a documented master of the miniature genre.
The Double Signatures: Imperial Kyoto Kilns & Artist Juzan
The primary significance of this artifact lies in its exceptional dual-marking system, reserved strictly for luxury commissions:
The Obverse (Front Artist Signature): It is extremely rare for Meiji ceramicists to sign their work on the display surface. The lower right quadrant features a flawless, fluid black-ink calligraphy (sōsho script) reading 寿山 (Juzan), accompanied by the artist's original red stamped seal (rakkan). Juzan was an elite master decorator active in Kyoto, renowned for his breathtaking miniature landscapes and close collaboration with the legendary Kinkozan workshops. Signing the front demonstrates that the artist viewed this plate not as utilitarian ware, but as a fine-art canvas.
The Reverse (Kiln Mark): The underside features an archaic, minimalist impressed workshop mark in brown glaze, directly attributing the physical firing of the heavy earthenware body to the historic Awata district kilns in Kyoto, which specialized in supplying the finest cream-coloured crackle-glazed bodies for high-end decorators.
Technical Craftsmanship & Visual Narrative
The plate features a heavy, substantial cream-coloured earthenware body, meticulously molded with a radial fluted relief that emulates a traditional Japanese folding fan (sensu) or sunburst. The masterfully executed central hand-painted miniature depicts a classical, serene Meiji-era landscape featuring an architectural pagoda, traditional dwellings, and a flowing river.
The execution utilizes vibrant overglaze enamels and meticulous Moriage work—raised, three-dimensional impasto droplets of white enamel that realistically render the foam of the river current and delicate cherry blossoms (sakura).
The reverse shows authentic, microscopic age-related glaze crazing , which is entirely confined to the surface borate-lead glaze layer and does not compromise the structural integrity of the thick earthenware body, acting as a true guarantee of 19th-century authenticity.
Physical Specifications
Form: Asymmetric Radial Fan / Leaf Shape
Material: Heavy Fine-Grained Kyoto Earthenware
Dimensions: 20 cm
Weight: 574 g (A highly substantial, heavy premium potting)
Condition: Excellent antique condition. Free from chips, structural cracks, or restoration. Minor age-appropriate surface crazing to the glaze on the reverse.
Please familiarise yourself carefully with the photographs, as they form an integral part of the description.