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ID #SA1212133
FOR SALE
£1,000
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A Fine Pair of Japanese Satsuma Thousand Butterflies Vases, Signed Kinzan, Meiji Period
For sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €1,170     $1,270
£1,000
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
Browse dealers 398 items
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Id #SA1212133
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A Fine Pair of Japanese Satsuma Thousand Butterflies Vases, Signed Kinzan, Meiji Period

19th century
Description

A highly decorative and finely worked pair of Japanese Satsuma vases from the late Meiji period, signed Kinzan, one of the respected names associated with quality Satsuma production for the export and collector market. The pair is decorated in the celebrated Thousand Butterflies pattern, a particularly attractive and labour-intensive Satsuma design in which the entire surface is animated by countless butterflies and small winged forms, enriched with gilt detail and delicate polychrome enamels.

The vases have a strong baluster form with flared necks, gilt rims, raised mask-form side handles and a dense cream-glazed crackle ground. The decoration is exceptionally full, with large gilt-highlighted butterflies set among a cloud of smaller insects and repeated wing motifs. This creates a shimmering surface effect under changing light, making the pair highly successful as a visual feature in an interior.

The bases carry the Satsuma mark and Kinzan signature beneath the Shimazu crest, confirming their Japanese Satsuma origin and workshop attribution. Kinzan pieces are appreciated for their decorative refinement, rich gilding and appeal to collectors of Meiji-period ceramics.

Condition is very good antique condition overall. One vase has a small restoration to the rim, visible on close inspection from one side only. It is minor, stable and does not disturb the overall composition or display impact of the pair. The gilding and painted decoration remain highly attractive, with only age-appropriate wear.

A strong decorative and collectible pair, ideal for a cabinet, mantelpiece, console table or refined interior setting.

Dimensions:

Height: 18.5 cm

Diameter: 10.5 cm

Combined weight: 1369 g

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 these Japanese Satsuma Butterfly Vases to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
18.5cm (7.28")
Width
10.5cm (4.13")
Depth
10.5cm (4.13")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1212133
Dealers Internal Reference
B1720
Description
A highly decorative and finely worked pair of Japanese Satsuma vases from the late Meiji period, signed Kinzan, one of the respected names associated with quality Satsuma production for the export and collector market. The pair is decorated in the celebrated Thousand Butterflies pattern, a particularly attractive and labour-intensive Satsuma design in which the entire surface is animated by countless butterflies and small winged forms, enriched with gilt detail and delicate polychrome enamels.
“
The vases have a strong baluster form with flared necks, gilt rims, raised mask-form side handles and a dense cream-glazed crackle ground.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The decoration is exceptionally full, with large gilt-highlighted butterflies set among a cloud of smaller insects and repeated wing motifs. This creates a shimmering surface effect under changing light, making the pair highly successful as a visual feature in an interior.

fig 1. A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles.
fig 1. A Fine Pair of Japanese Satsuma Thousand Butterflies Vases, Signed Kinzan, Meiji Period

The bases carry the Satsuma mark and Kinzan signature beneath the Shimazu crest, confirming their Japanese Satsuma origin and workshop attribution. Kinzan pieces are appreciated for their decorative refinement, rich gilding and appeal to collectors of Meiji-period ceramics.

fig 2. A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles.
fig 2. A Fine Pair of Japanese Satsuma Thousand Butterflies Vases, Signed Kinzan, Meiji Period

Condition is very good antique condition overall. One vase has a small restoration to the rim, visible on close inspection from one side only. It is minor, stable and does not disturb the overall composition or display impact of the pair. The gilding and painted decoration remain highly attractive, with only age-appropriate wear.

fig 3. A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles.
fig 3. A Fine Pair of Japanese Satsuma Thousand Butterflies Vases, Signed Kinzan, Meiji Period

A strong decorative and collectible pair, ideal for a cabinet, mantelpiece, console table or refined interior setting.

Dimensions:

Height: 18.5 cm

Diameter: 10.5 cm

Combined weight: 1369 g

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 these Japanese Satsuma Butterfly Vases to the 19th Century.

Height
18.5cm (7.28")
Width
10.5cm (4.13")
Depth
10.5cm (4.13")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1212133
Dealers Internal Ref
B1720
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 baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles.
1 / 13
Archive I A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles.

A Fine Pair of Japanese Satsuma Thousand Butterflies Vases, Signed Kinzan, Meiji Period

Archive II A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View II
Archive III A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View III
Archive IV A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View IV
Archive V A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View V
Archive VI A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View VI
Archive VII A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View IX
Archive X A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View X
Archive XI A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View XI
Archive XII A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles. View XIII
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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 398
Items Sold 580
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
398
Sold
580
A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles.
A Fine Pair of Japanese Satsuma Thousand Butterflies Vases, Signed Kinzan, Meiji Period
Ref: SA1212133
A pair of baluster-shaped Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases decorated with a dense pattern of polychrome butterflies and gold lion-dog side handles.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectVases
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialEarthenware, Enamel, Gold Leaf
  • ColourCream and Gold
  • MotifsThousand butterflies pattern, Shishi lion handles, Crackle glaze, Flared rim
  • SizeH 18.5 cm (7 in) x W 10.5 cm (4 in) x D 10.5 cm (4 in)

A pair of 19th-century Japanese Satsuma earthenware vases, made during the late Meiji period, carries signatures by Kinzan beneath the Shimazu crest. Each baluster-shaped vessel features a cream-glazed crackle ground covered in a dense Thousand Butterflies pattern of polychrome enamels and gold leaf, complemented by flared rims with gilt edges and raised Shishi lion-dog mask handles at the sides. One vase displays a small, stable restoration to the rim alongside age-appropriate wear to the painted decoration and rich gilding. Measuring 18.5 cm high, 10.5 cm wide, and 10.5 cm deep, these collectible ceramic vases suit display on a mantelpiece, inside a glass cabinet, or upon a console table within a refined interior setting. The detailed hand-painted design provides a strong visual accent suitable for collectors of export-market Satsuma ceramics and traditional Japanese works of art.

FAQs

Satsuma ware is a type of Japanese earthenware pottery originating from Satsuma province, which gained international popularity during the Meiji period (18681912). It is characterised by its cream-coloured crackle glaze and intricate overglaze enamel and gilded decoration.

These vases were formed from earthenware clay and finished with a soft crackle glaze. Artisans painted detailed motifs using overglaze polychrome enamels and gold leaf before subjecting the vessels to low-temperature firing to fix the decoration.

Authentic Meiji pieces feature dense hand-painted decoration, controlled gilded accents, and a finely crazed ivory-toned body. Look for artist signatures or maker marks on the base, such as the Shimazu family crest or signatures of known workshops like Kinzan.

Satsuma vases serve as focal points when arranged symmetrically on a mantelpiece or console table. Their rich gilding and detailed patterns complement traditional schemes while adding historical texture to contemporary minimalist settings.

Dust the ceramic surface using a dry microfibre cloth or a soft artist brush. Avoid immersion in water, chemical cleansers, or abrasive tools, as liquids can penetrate the crackle glaze and loosen delicate enamels or gilding.
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