Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware circular container (kogo) finely decorated in gilt and colored enamels on the domed cover with ladies of the nobility and their attendants seated at their leisure before a screen. The interior holds figural scenes showing the activities of the noble class. The base is decorated around the circumference with circular scrolls and is marked at the center “Satsuma Gyokushu” with the Shimazu family crest. Measures about 2 3/8” diameter. Late 19th century to circa 1900. Very good overall condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. From the collection of expatriates to Japan in the 1970s.