An exceptional Japanese, Meiji period Satsuma jar and cover, signed Kozan and with the Shimazu mon in gilt. Of squat circular shape with walls and cover reticulated to appear as fine basket weave; four panels of shaped outline encircle the body, two finely painted with scenes of women, attendants and guests performing the tea ceremony, one an interior scene of a cha-shitsu (tea room) the other in a cha-niwa (tea garden); the other pair of panels are painted with chrysanthemums, birds and butterflies to one, irises and wisteria to the other. An encircling band of various diaper pattern decorates the shoulder and similarly the base; the neck and small foot ring moulded with a square scroll pattern. The gilded mouth with leaf patterned detail holds the low domed cover which conforms with the reticulation of the base and is laid with a square panel painted with a group enjoying a view of a landscape and pagoda from a pavilion veranda. 14.5 x 15 cm.