Japanese Satsuma Ware Miniature Lidded Ginger Jar, c.1900

Story

Created during the golden age of Japanese export art, this tiny jar was crafted to dazzle Western collectors who were utterly obsessed with the exoticism of the Far East. It compressed an entire world of folklore into a vessel small enough to hold in your palm.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece belongs to the grand tradition of Meiji-era Satsuma workshops. These studios employed highly skilled painters who transitioned from decorating samurai armor and temple screens to creating delicate, miniature masterpieces for international expositions in Paris, London, and Chicago.

Condition & Value

The jar and lid appear to be in good antique condition with no obvious structural cracks or major chips. There is typical wear to the gold gilding on the high points of the lid and shoulders, and the natural crazing of the glaze is consistent with age. Excellent preservation of the original lid greatly helps retain its value.