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ID #SA1149589
FOR SALE
£850
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Satsuma Vase with Elephant Handles and Shimazu Crest, C.1890
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €995     $1,080
£850
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Satsuma Vase with Elephant Handles and Shimazu Crest, C.1890

19th century
Description

A Satsuma porcelain vase from the Meiji period, circa 1890, featuring a baluster body with wide shoulders and a flaring, scalloped rim. The vase is mounted on its original carved wooden stand, which is included. The surface is decorated with polychrome enamels and raised gilt, depicting rakan (arhats) - Buddhist sages shown with haloes and expressive faces - surrounded by brocade-style ornamentation. The iconography is rendered in meticulous detail, typical of high-end Satsuma production for export.

Of particular note are the elephant-head side handles, modeled with curved trunks and gilt details. These carry strong Buddhist symbolism, evoking the sacred white elephant — a sign of wisdom, spiritual power, and royal strength. The underside bears a black and gold calligraphic mark reading "Satsuma-sei" – “Made in Satsuma”, alongside the Shimazu clan crest (a cross within a circle), linking the vase to the kilns of Kagoshima. This is a fine and collectible example of Meiji-era Satsuma ware, combining spiritual iconography with rare and symbolic elements.

Condition: excellent antique condition. Very light wearing to the gold on the handles. No chips, cracks, or repairs.

Dimensions: Height: 24 cm, Diameter 12 cm, Weight 664 grams.

Provenance: From a private European collection.

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.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1149589
Description
A Satsuma porcelain vase from the Meiji period, circa 1890, featuring a baluster body with wide shoulders and a flaring, scalloped rim. The vase is mounted on its original carved wooden stand, which is included.
“
The surface is decorated with polychrome enamels and raised gilt, depicting rakan (arhats) - Buddhist sages shown with haloes and expressive faces - surrounded by brocade-style ornamentation.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The iconography is rendered in meticulous detail, typical of high-end Satsuma production for export.

fig 1. An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation.
fig 1. Satsuma Vase with Elephant Handles and Shimazu Crest, C.1890

Of particular note are the elephant-head side handles, modeled with curved trunks and gilt details. These carry strong Buddhist symbolism, evoking the sacred white elephant — a sign of wisdom, spiritual power, and royal strength. The underside bears a black and gold calligraphic mark reading "Satsuma-sei" – “Made in Satsuma”, alongside the Shimazu clan crest (a cross within a circle), linking the vase to the kilns of Kagoshima. This is a fine and collectible example of Meiji-era Satsuma ware, combining spiritual iconography with rare and symbolic elements.

fig 2. An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation.
fig 2. Satsuma Vase with Elephant Handles and Shimazu Crest, C.1890

Condition: excellent antique condition. Very light wearing to the gold on the handles. No chips, cracks, or repairs.

Dimensions: Height: 24 cm, Diameter 12 cm, Weight 664 grams.

Provenance: From a private European collection.

fig 3. An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation.
fig 3. Satsuma Vase with Elephant Handles and Shimazu Crest, C.1890

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.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1149589
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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An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation.
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Archive I An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation.

Satsuma Vase with Elephant Handles and Shimazu Crest, c.1890

Archive II An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View II
Archive III An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View III
Archive IV An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View IV
Archive V An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View V
Archive VI An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View VI
Archive VII An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View VII
Archive VIII An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View VIII
Archive IX An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View IX
Archive X An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View X
Archive XI An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View XI
Archive XII An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation. View XII
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Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
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An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation.
Satsuma Vase with Elephant Handles and Shimazu Crest, c.1890
Ref: SA1149589
An antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase featuring gilded elephant-head handles, hand-painted arhat figures, and intricate gold ornamentation.
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FAQs

Satsuma pottery originated in Japans Satsuma province during the late 16th century. It evolved from simple dark stoneware into refined cream-coloured earthenware adorned with polychrome enamels and gilding, gaining widespread popularity in Western markets during the Meiji period.

Satsuma ceramics are constructed from a light-coloured earthenware body covered with a clear glaze that develops fine surface crackle. Decoration is applied over the glaze using mineral enamels, raised impasto techniques, and pure gold leaf embellishments.

Authentic pieces feature a distinct, fine crackle glaze over a cream base, intricate hand-painted figures, and detailed gilding. Many late 19th-century items bear the crest of the Shimazu familya cross within a circlealongside Japanese character marks painted on the base.

A Satsuma vase serves as a focal decorative object on a dark wood sideboard, mantelpiece, or shelving unit. Its rich gold detailing and intricate figural scenes complement traditional, eclectic, or maximalist interior arrangements.

Dust Satsuma ceramics gently using a dry, soft-bristled brush to clean intricate areas. Avoid immersing the piece in water or using liquid detergents, as moisture can penetrate the crackle glaze and damage overglaze gilding and enamels.
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