Japanese Satsuma Moriage Dragon Ware Bud Vase

This is a small, baluster-shaped bud vase featuring traditional Japanese Satsuma styling with heavy moriage decoration. The piece is constructed from a matte, dark brown earthenware body, which provides a stark contrast to the vivid, raised enamel work. The primary decorative motif depicts a Shimazu-style figure, likely a male or Buddhist immortal, characterized by a pale face and intricate robes in shades of royal blue, orange, and yellow. To the right of the figure, a high-relief 'dragon ware' element is present, where a molded dragon's head and neck wrap around the shoulder of the vessel, accented with white slip dots to simulate scales. The neck of the vase is adorned with a gilded saw-tooth or 'moriage' collar. The craftsmanship utilizes the 'moriage' technique, which involves layering slip and enamel to create a three-dimensional, tactile effect on the surface. Visible condition issues include light surface dust and minor wear to the gilding on the rim and collar, consistent with a mid-20th-century origins, likely Taisho or early Showa period (circa 1920s-1950s). There are no immediate signs of significant cracking or structural failure, though the matte finish shows typical minor scuffing.