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Satsuma Vase with Monks
Satsuma Vase with Monks
Satsuma Vase with Monks
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Satsuma Vase with Monks

  • This vase is exquisitely hand-painted with intricate details of Buddhist monks
  • The perspective in the decoration dates this vase to the earlier Meiji period, enhancing its rarity
  • It is marked with the Shimazu family crest and "Satsuma," confirming its prestigious heritage
  • Satsuma pottery has captivated collectors for nearly 150 years
  • Get complete item description here
$1,985
Item No. 31-9105

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Description
This Japanese Satsuma vase epitomizes the pinnacle of Japanese earthenware craftsmanship. Exquisitely hand-painted, it features a gathering of Buddhist monks adorned with gilded halos, which in Buddhist iconography signify enlightenment, divinity and spiritual importance. The vase is particularly impressive due to its small size, as the artist masterfully captures intricate details within the scene. Later scenes on Satsuma vessels often incorporate foreshortening to add depth, reflecting Western influence. The absence of foreshortening in this scene. . .
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This Japanese Satsuma vase epitomizes the pinnacle of Japanese earthenware craftsmanship. Exquisitely hand-painted, it features a gathering of Buddhist monks adorned with gilded halos, which in Buddhist iconography signify enlightenment, divinity and spiritual importance. The vase is particularly impressive due to its small size, as the artist masterfully captures intricate details within the scene. Later scenes on Satsuma vessels often incorporate foreshortening to add depth, reflecting Western influence. The absence of foreshortening in this scene indicates its creation in the earlier Meiji period.

Legend holds that the finest Satsuma painters would go blind due to the extreme intricacy of their work, a testament to the meticulous detail exhibited in this pottery. The mark on the underside is typical of a Satsuma ware signature. The top circular symbol is the cross-in-circle Shimazu family crest, or mon, indicating this vase’s origin in the Satsuma Province. Below the crest are kanji characters for “Satsuma.”

Satsuma earthenware, a quintessential art form of the Meiji period, has captivated collectors for just over 150 years. First crafted in the 17th century, its distinctive style—featuring overglaze enamel and gilded detailing—was perfected around 1790. Early designs focused on nature, particularly floral and animal motifs, with architectural and human elements emerging in the 19th century.

Originating near Kagoshima Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Satsuma ware was initially created by Korean potters for the Shimazu family and local residents. Its popularity soared after being showcased at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris. This exposure led to increased demand from the West, prompting production expansion to major Japanese cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Yokohama. The continued patronage of the Shimazu family further cemented Satsuma ware's success and global appeal.

Marked "Satsuma" with the Shimazu family crest

Meiji period (1868-1912)

3 3/4" high x 1 1/2" diameter
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Satsuma Vase with Monks
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Asia
Type: Vases/Vessels
Depth: 1.5 in. (3.81 cm)
Width: 1.5 in. (3.81 cm)
Height: 3.75 in. (9.53 cm)
Satsuma Vase with Monks
Unveil the History of the Vase

Vases are some of the oldest and most widespread decorative objects, and their history shows us that they can be far more than a container for a beautiful floral bouquet. These rare antiques...

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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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