Antique Japanese Satsuma Footed Vase, Hand-painted Courtly Scene, Gold Detailing

Name: Antique Japanese Satsuma Footed Vase, Hand-painted Courtly Scene, Gold Detailing
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1128732
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

Antique Japanese Meiji Satsuma Footed Vase – Hand-Painted Courtly Scene, Gold Detailing

This finely crafted antique Satsuma footed vase showcases intricate hand-painted designs with delicate gold detailing, including the characteristic raised dot gilding. The artwork presents a noble courtly scene set against a traditional architectural backdrop.

The central figure, an elderly nobleman, gestures with authority while attendants and courtiers surround him, creating a dynamic and elegant composition. Graceful female figures in traditional attire enhance the sense of refinement. A meticulously rendered gold geometric border encircles the vase, elevating its decorative appeal.

The underside of the vase features an inscription in the form of two gold hieroglyphs, executed in a highly stylized decorative font. This is likely a personal artist’s signature, as many Satsuma workshops and artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries used gold "signature" stamps, which are rarely recorded in catalogues.

Historical Background

Satsuma ware originated in the late 16th century in Satsuma Province (now Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan). It gained immense popularity in the West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially following its exhibition at international expositions.

Known for its creamy ivory crackled glaze, intricate hand-painted designs, and lavish use of gold accents, Satsuma pottery often features scenes of noble life, landscapes, and traditional Japanese imagery, framed by ornate decorative borders. Today, Satsuma ceramics remain highly collectible, admired for their artistry, craftsmanship, and historical significance.

Measurements

Height: 12.5 cm

Diameter (widest point): 7.3 cm

Condition

Excellent antique condition. Light scuffing to gilt on the top rim appropriate to age.

Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.

Shipping & Packaging

Shipped fully tracked and insured.

Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.

Stand not included.

Feel free to ask any questions before purchasing!

Physical Dimensions

Height

12.5cm (4.92")

Width

7.3cm (2.87")

Depth

7.3cm (2.87")

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1128732

Description

Antique Japanese Meiji Satsuma Footed Vase – Hand-Painted Courtly Scene, Gold Detailing

“

This finely crafted antique Satsuma footed vase showcases intricate hand-painted designs with delicate gold detailing, including the characteristic raised dot gilding.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

The artwork presents a noble courtly scene set against a traditional architectural backdrop.

fig 1. Antique Japanese Satsuma footed vase, hand-painted courtly scene, gold detailing — fig 1. Antique Japanese Satsuma Footed Vase, Hand-painted Courtly Scene, Gold Detailing

The central figure, an elderly nobleman, gestures with authority while attendants and courtiers surround him, creating a dynamic and elegant composition. Graceful female figures in traditional attire enhance the sense of refinement. A meticulously rendered gold geometric border encircles the vase, elevating its decorative appeal.

fig 2. Antique Japanese Satsuma footed vase, hand-painted courtly scene, gold detailing — fig 2. Antique Japanese Satsuma Footed Vase, Hand-painted Courtly Scene, Gold Detailing

The underside of the vase features an inscription in the form of two gold hieroglyphs, executed in a highly stylized decorative font. This is likely a personal artist’s signature, as many Satsuma workshops and artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries used gold "signature" stamps, which are rarely recorded in catalogues.

fig 3. Antique Japanese Satsuma footed vase, hand-painted courtly scene, gold detailing — fig 3. Antique Japanese Satsuma Footed Vase, Hand-painted Courtly Scene, Gold Detailing

Historical Background

Satsuma ware originated in the late 16th century in Satsuma Province (now Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan). It gained immense popularity in the West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially following its exhibition at international expositions.

fig 4. Antique Japanese Satsuma footed vase, hand-painted courtly scene, gold detailing — fig 4. Antique Japanese Satsuma Footed Vase, Hand-painted Courtly Scene, Gold Detailing

Known for its creamy ivory crackled glaze, intricate hand-painted designs, and lavish use of gold accents, Satsuma pottery often features scenes of noble life, landscapes, and traditional Japanese imagery, framed by ornate decorative borders. Today, Satsuma ceramics remain highly collectible, admired for their artistry, craftsmanship, and historical significance.