A Satsuma moonflask
By Taizan Yohei, Meiji era (1868-1912), probably, late 19th centuryBoldly decorated in enamels and gilt, the body with two circular panels, one enclosing a crowded busy figure scene during the hanami (cherry-viewing) at Arashiyama, the famous Togetsu bridge on the left, the second panel with birds flying over autumnal plants of fuyo (rosemallow), susuki (pampas grass), kikyo (Chinese bellflowers) and ominaeshi (valerian), reserved on a green ground decorated with kikumon interwoven among karakusa ('Chinese grasses'), signed on the base Dai Nippon Taizan sei; with a wood storage box inscribed Kabin (Flower vase) on the lid and Meiji sanjuichi nen junigatsu kakan raino (offered in advance in the latter part of December 1898) on the back of the box. 19.2cm (7?in) high. (2).