Hododa (保土田) - Tea service (13) - Ceramic

Meiji period Japan (1868-1912). Satsuma earthenware from Kagoshima Province, decorated in the Hododa (保土田) workshops in Yokohama for export to the West, circa 1890-1910.

Rare and remarkable Japanese fine Satsuma earthenware service attributed to the Hododa / Hotoda (保土田) workshop, a prestigious dealer and decorator active in Yokohama during the Meiji era, a period when the finest Japanese productions were destined for Western collectors.

This exceptional set consists of 6 cups, 6 saucers, and a covered jar, all hand-decorated with remarkable finesse. Each piece features a refined design depicting the Rakan (羅漢), Buddhist sages and disciples, gathered around a spiritual scene.
Expressive faces, golden halos, countless gold-thin hatchings, and the delicate network of crazing bear witness to the mastery of the best Satsuma workshops of the late 19th century.

The centerpiece of this set is undoubtedly the spectacular lid topped with a carved sacred dragon (龍), a symbol of power, wisdom, and protection in Japanese tradition.

Unlike services adorned with geishas, frequently found on the market, this Rakan and Buddhist sages motif remains much rarer and sought-after by discerning collectors.

A work of art as much as a ceremonial service, evoking the fascination of Meiji Japan at its peak.

Workshop: Hododa / Hotoda (保土田)
Origin: Japan, Yokohama
Period: Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Decoration: Rakan (羅漢), Buddhist sages and dragon (龍)
Technique: painting and gilding entirely handmade
Satsuma ware with fine crackle

Complete set:
6 cups, 5 cm high and 9.5 cm in diameter
6 saucers, 14 cm in diameter
1 dragon-covered jar, 11 cm high

Japanese signatures painted in gold
Very good state of preservation

Careful and secure shipping

Very rare on the market

#SatsumaWare
#Hododa
#Hotoda
#MeijiPeriod
#JapaneseAntiques
#AntiqueSatsuma
#RakanArt
#JapaneseCeramics
#MeijiExport
#DragonMotif
#OrientalAntiques
#KyotoSatsuma
#CollectorsCeramics
#AsianArtCollection
#MuseumQuality