A group of six Satsuma vesselsThe first and fourth by Hododa, the second by Gyokusen, the third by Kyosen, the fifth by Hattori
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century
All decorated in colored enamels and gilt and comprising a pair of meiping form vases applied with stylized dragon handles and decorated with friezes of beauties in procession, signed Hododa; a bucket-shaped vase painted with scenes of immortals and attendants, beauties enjoying cherry blossoms and samurai, signed Satsuma Gyokusen and with the Shimazu family crest; a shallow, circular box and cover decorated on the exterior with lotus leaves and blossoms, the interior with a hiten (Buddhist angel) and Amida Buddha flanked by the Bodhisattvas Fugen and Monju, signed Kyosen and with the Shimazu family crest; a baluster vase with dragon handles and decorated with shaped panels of people in vasrious interiors, signed Hattori tsukuru and with the Shimazu family crest; a square-shouldered baluster vase with panels of immortals and beauties, signed Satsuma Hododa and with the Shimazu family mark
5 7/8in (14.9cm) high, the largest