bowl with chrysanthemums, Miyagawa Kōzan

Kilns established in the Satsuma domain in southern Kyushu by Korean potters in the late 16th century initially produced stonewares covered with a thick dark glaze. During the mid-19th century, the well-known Satsuma ware with "brocade" enameled designs on a buff body was created. This later Satsuma ware is earthenware and does not produce a "ring" when tapped. The paste is slightly yellowish and the glaze normally has a fine crackle. These highly decorated wares were produced in several cities such as Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama, and elsewhere from the Meiji period mostly for export to the West, and are still being produced.

Kilns established in the late 16th century by Korean potters who were forcibly relocated to the Satsuma domain of southern Kyushu, Japan initially produced stone wares covered with a thick dark glaze called Satsuma ware. Later Satsuma ware was produced in Kyoto. During the Meiji period, artists produced these highly decorated wares in several Japanese cities, mostly for export to Europe and the United States. Western collectors’ interests developed following the displays of Satsuma ware at various late 19th-century World’s Fairs. Satsuma ware from the Meiji period, such as this piece, featured extensive decoration in over glaze and polychrome paint and gold, which often depicted bird-and-flower compositions. These decorative schemes catered to the demands of European and American collectors like Sallie Casey Thayer.

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Kilns established in the Satsuma domain in southern Kyushu by Korean potters in the late 16th century initially produced stonewares covered with a thick dark glaze. During the mid-19th century, the well-known Satsuma ware with "brocade" enameled designs on a buff body was created. This later Satsuma ware is earthenware and does not produce a "ring" when tapped. The paste is slightly yellowish and the glaze normally has a fine crackle. These highly decorated wares were produced in several cities such as Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama, and elsewhere from the Meiji period mostly for export to the West, and are still being produced.