Pair of Japanese Satsuma Style Baluster Vases

This is a matching pair of ceramic baluster-shaped vases, decorated in the Satsuma style. The vases feature a slightly flared rim, a constricted neck, and a swelling body that tapers toward a footed base. The primary decorative scheme consists of large framed cartouches depicting traditional Japanese figural scenes, including Bijin (beautiful women) in kimonos within a landscape setting featuring architecture and foliage. These central panels are surrounded by a dense decorative field of 'millefleur' floral patterns against a black overglaze ground. The color palette is rich, utilizing heavy moriage (raised enamel) in shades of gold, red, pink, and green, which adds a tactile, three-dimensional quality to the surface. Fine gold stippling and geometric borders further define the various regions of the vases. While styled after 19th-century Meiji period wares, the high-gloss finish and specific application of the enamels suggest these are likely mid-to-late 20th-century decorative exports. Condition appears generally good with no visible chips or cracks from the front, though there is typical light wear to the gold gilding on the rims and some minor surface abrasions consistent with age and handling. The craftsmanship shows a high level of detail in the repetitive floral borders and the layered enamel work.