The studio’s standard mark: “Yabu Meizan” in gold within a square cartouche, here with the gold on the white ground of the body. Satsuma-database presumes this form dates no later than about 1900.
“Yabu Meizan” (藪明山) seal, gold on a white ground
Authentic features
Square gilt cartouche, as recorded by the V&A ("in a square gilt panel") and by Bonhams ("in a square cartouche"; "within a gilt square seal"). Circle-and-dot form of the left element of 明. Mark used as the studio trademark in advertisements.
Common forgery flags
Rectangular or raised-gold versions are not documented. Red or black enamel seals are not documented. A correct-looking mark on weak painting should be treated with suspicion, since auction houses catalogue some inscribed pieces as "after Yabu Meizan".