Two beautiful identical Satsuma (kind of earthenware stoneware) Japanese large high ceramic vases, octagonal with conical cylindrical neck and wide slightly raised circular black colored rim with overlaid shell motifs in relief. Two ivory-colored Japanese male figures in relief. at the height of the shoulder, holding the symbol for connectedness. Polychrome hand-painted floral decoration with mulberries in relief on both sides with also birds in flight, with a manifest art nouveau influence. Round gilded foot rim and inside the vase is covered with a creamy ivory-colored glaze. Hand signed at the bottom in overglaze with gray large characters or letters, unknown to me. The two vases can be dated to the Meiji period around 1890.

Condition: flaws on both foot edges, small defects on the edge of one vase, otherwise very good condition. Very decorative pair of vases.