A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)

Name: A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1145782
Availability: SoldOut

1900 - 1920

Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

An exceptionally decorative and finely executed pair of Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases, each of elongated baluster form with elaborate applied dragon handles and a wide flaring neck. Both vases are profusely hand-painted in polychrome enamels and richly adorned with raised moriage gilt, depicting detailed scenes of arhats (rakan) — enlightened Buddhist disciples — among clouds, stylized dragons, and intricate landscape motifs. The lavish application of gold, coupled with intricate narrative scenes, demonstrates the high technical and artistic standards of Kyoto studio Satsuma from the early 20th century.

Each shoulder is set with a finely modeled gilt dragon handle, while the neck is emblazoned with the cross-in-circle Shimazu crest, the historic mon of the Satsuma domain, symbolizing the region’s rich ceramic heritage. The bases bear different hand-painted gilt marks: one vase signed 'Ryuzan' (??), the other with a closely related studio mark, indicating production by reputable Kyoto workshops for both domestic and export markets during the late Meiji to early Taisho period.

Vases of this quality and scale, particularly as a matching pair, are increasingly sought-after by collectors of Japanese ceramics, Buddhist art, and export wares. The superb preservation and decorative impact make this pair an outstanding addition to any collection.

Dimensions:

First vase: height 25.7 cm (10.1 in), diameter 13.2 cm (5.2in), weight 1041 g.

Second vase: height 25.7 cm (10.1in), diameter 13.2 cm (5.2in), weight 854 g.

Condition:

Both vases in excellent original condition, with only minimal wear to the gilding and expected natural craquelure typical of antique Satsuma. No chips, cracks, or restoration detected.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1145782

Description

“

The lavish application of gold, coupled with intricate narrative scenes, demonstrates the high technical and artistic standards of Kyoto studio Satsuma from the early 20th century.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

fig 1. A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–Taisho Period (c. 1910–1920) — fig 1. A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)

Each shoulder is set with a finely modeled gilt dragon handle, while the neck is emblazoned with the cross-in-circle Shimazu crest, the historic mon of the Satsuma domain, symbolizing the region’s rich ceramic heritage. The bases bear different hand-painted gilt marks: one vase signed 'Ryuzan' (??), the other with a closely related studio mark, indicating production by reputable Kyoto workshops for both domestic and export markets during the late Meiji to early Taisho period.

fig 2. A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–Taisho Period (c. 1910–1920) — fig 2. A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)

Vases of this quality and scale, particularly as a matching pair, are increasingly sought-after by collectors of Japanese ceramics, Buddhist art, and export wares. The superb preservation and decorative impact make this pair an outstanding addition to any collection.

fig 3. A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–Taisho Period (c. 1910–1920) — fig 3. A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)

Dimensions:

First vase: height 25.7 cm (10.1 in), diameter 13.2 cm (5.2in), weight 1041 g.

Second vase: height 25.7 cm (10.1in), diameter 13.2 cm (5.2in), weight 854 g.

Condition:

Both vases in excellent original condition, with only minimal wear to the gilding and expected natural craquelure typical of antique Satsuma. No chips, cracks, or restoration detected.

fig 4. A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–Taisho Period (c. 1910–1920) — fig 4. A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1145782

About the Dealer

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023

Dealer Profile

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