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A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)
Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd
sold SA1145782
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Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)

1900 - 1920
Sold 10 January 2026 · Gillers Antiques Ltd
This “Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–taisho Period (C. 1910–1920)” found a buyer.

It was listed by Gillers Antiques Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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 these Japanese Satsuma Vases to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1145782
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.
Gillers Antiques Ltd
fig 1. A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing.
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 pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing.
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 pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing.
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 pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing.
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 these Japanese Satsuma Vases to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1145782
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

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

Archive II A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. View II
Archive III A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. View III
Archive IV A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. View IV
Archive V A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. View V
Archive VI A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. View VI
Archive VII A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing. View VIII
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Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 399
Items Sold 576
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
399
Sold
576
A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing.
A Fine Pair of Satsuma Vases with Shimazu Crest, Japan, Late Meiji–Taisho Period (c. 1910–1920)
Ref: SA1145782
A pair of richly decorated Satsuma ceramic vases featuring figural scenes, raised dragon handles, and intricate gold and enamel detailing.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectVases
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleMeiji - Taisho Japanese
  • MaterialCeramic, Earthenware, Enamel, Gold Leaf
  • ColourGold, Multi-coloured
  • MotifsDragon handles, Figural arhat panels, Shimazu mon crest, Gilt brocade patterns

Satsuma ware is a type of Japanese pottery originating from Satsuma Province in Kyushu, traditionally characterised by an ivory-coloured, crackled earthenware glaze and elaborate polychrome and gilt enamel decoration.

These pieces are typically crafted from earthenware clay featuring a fine crackle glaze, decorated with mineral-based enamels and heavy applications of raised gold leaf, often termed moriage.

Authentic pieces from the Meiji era often feature intricate hand-painted figural scenes, Shimazu clan mon crests, artist signatures on the base, and characteristic fine-line crazing under the glaze.

They make striking focal points on sideboards, mantels, or open shelving, pairing well with neutral backdrops that highlight their metallic detailing and vibrant enamels.

Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent enamel fading, clean only with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, and avoid using any liquids or abrasive cleaning agents on the fragile gilt surfaces.
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