Japanese Satsuma Style Cobalt Blue Baluster Vase

This is a large, ceramic baluster-shaped vase featuring a striking cobalt blue glaze enriched with heavy Moriage-style gold gilding. The piece is characteristic of late 20th-century Japanese Satsuma-style export ware. The central focus is a large, hand-painted (likely transfer-printed with hand-enameled highlights) cartouche depicting a traditional Japanese courtyard scene. The scene portrays several figures in kimonos, including Bijin (beautiful women) and a child, set against a background of architecturally detailed pagodas, flowing water, and lush landscape. The figures are rendered in vibrant reds, greens, and blues. The surrounding cobalt ground is densely decorated with raised gold enamel floral motifs, scrollwork, and geometric borders. Physically, the vase features a flared rim with a gold-lined edge and a slightly tapered foot. The condition appears fair to good; however, there is visible wear to the gold gilding on the upper rim and some minor rubbing on the raised decorative elements. No significant cracks or chips are immediately visible from the front view, but light surface crazing may be present consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century ceramic manufacturing. This piece represents a popular decorative export style intended to mimic earlier, more valuable antique Satsuma pottery.