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

Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912). Satsuma porcelain 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 porcelain service attributed to the Hododa / Hotoda (保土田) workshop, 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 lidded pot, all entirely hand-painted using a remarkably delicate technique. Each piece features an exquisite design depicting Rakan (羅漢), wise Buddhist sages and disciples, gathered around a spiritual scene. The expressive faces, golden halos, countless fine gold hatchings, and the subtle network of crazing testify to the skill of the best Satsuma workshops of the late 19th century.

The highlight of this ensemble is undoubtedly its spectacular lid crowned by 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.

An artwork 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 done by hand
Fine-crackle Satsuma porcelain

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

Japanese signature painted in gold
Very good condition
Careful and secure shipping
Very rare on the market

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