SMALL SATSUMA VASE DECORATED WITH 18 LUOHANS, 19TH CENTURY

Small tripod vase with polychrome and gold enamel decoration in Satsuma earthenware. The lip is poly-lobed and outlined in gold. The decoration features haloed figures in cartouches on a dotted background. These are the 18 Luohans or Arhats, characters from Buddhist mythology. The background is lined with decorative motifs reminiscent of paper cut-outs. The neck features crosses inscribed in circles. Through the mouthpiece, you can see the crackled, off-white enamel background characteristic of Satsuma production in theMeiji period (1868-1912).

This is a highly refined Japanese production. The 18 Luohans or Arhats are, according to Buddhist mythology, the original followers of Gautama Buddha. They are said to have reached the four stages of enlightenment on the road to Nirvana. Their role is to protect the Buddhist faith and await the coming of Maitreya, the enlightening Buddha. They are a symbol of Great Vehicle Buddhism, which advocates helping others to attain Nirvana rather than seeking it only for oneself. They are often depicted with European features (high nose, thick eyebrows, round eyes...) based on a description by the monk Guanxiu in 891.

Condition report: In very good condition.