Meiji Period Japanese Satsumaware, handpainted miniature vases with Immortals

A pair of miniature Japanese Satsuma Vases. Handpainted on a glorious Gilt background; the subject being the 'Immortals', a group of men of almighty greatness.  They are so almighty  that they are unable to die and are forced to live a life of study, poverty and worship

They convey good luck, fortune, peace and happiness!  And if this isn't enough of a reason to own these little beauties; they are also incerdibly tactile, the painting of them is of exquisite quality.  Such tiny faces spring to life, full of expression!  Quite beautifully grotesque!

They are 9.5cm high

At their widest they are approximately 6cm

They have a mark to the base and are of the Japanese Meiji Period c.1868 - 1912

It seems such a shame to separate them from the pair of even more miniature vases on a blue ground.  Painted, again, quite exquisitly in panels with a depiction of life, Japanese women in a garden and in room with a view, entertaining a male.  Decorated with gilt over a blue around the neck and between painted panels.  

They are 6cm high 

At their widest they are approximately 3.5cm

They also have a mark to the base and are of the Japanese Meiji Period c.1968 - 1912