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satsuma

Antique Japanese Moriage

satsuma moriage example
satsuma moriage example The raised lines you can see on this Ginger Jar are a great example of Satsuma Moriage.

Moriage is the term used to describe the fine and delicate layering or placing of clay on pieces of pottery.

The type clay that is used for this method is known as "slip" and is thicker and stickier than the clay used for the actual item.

The Japanese potters of centuries ago were enthused with this method and used it to create many brilliant designs over the years.

This technique was not just used by the Japanese potters though, it is a method of decorating fine porcelain and pottery that has been adopted all over the world.

In the case of Satsuma pottery, the clay was often added in small bumps, circles or lumps to decorate the piece.

On a satsuma vase for instance, you will see small raised dots, often painted a different color (such as white).

These are the moriage layers that are build up slowly as the piece is made, fired during each layer and then more raised areas are added before the piece is finished.

It is also possible that the moriage designs were made as separate mouldings and then applied to the Satsuma pieces.  However, this practice is more likely with more modern pieces.

Beading is also used quite heavily on this style of pottery too, with small dots of clay added to make raised bumps that are then painted when the piece has been fired and completed.  These raised areas on the pottery add to the overall design, making them more decorative and unique, compared to just a painted piece.

The combination of hand-painted designs, moriage and beading make some of the Satsuma pieces very collectable and valuable.

Other types of pottery from Japan also used this method of decoration too. Dragonware pottery is famed for it's intricate dragon designs that stand up and are raised from the piece, all classed as moriage pottery.

The shame about this kind of decoration is that it can be easily damaged over time and break off. Also some of the paint-work, gilding or colour can rub off if the pieces are not kept in good condition.

Often, with Dragonware tea sets especially, the moriage areas are often where the handles are, which can lead to some areas becoming damaged, just through daily use.

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Vintage Satsuma Style Moriage Hand Painted Small Vase Japan Chinoiserie Art
Vintage Satsuma Style Moriage Hand Painted Small Vase Japan Chinoiserie Art
$10.00
2 Vintage Large Satsuma Moriage Style Oriental Vases 125 Inches Tall ShipsFree
2 Vintage Large Satsuma Moriage Style Oriental Vases 125 Inches Tall ShipsFree
$1.00
Japanese Satsuma Moriage Vase Meiji Period Vase 12
Japanese Satsuma Moriage Vase Meiji Period Vase 12
$95.00

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase

Antique Nippon Royal Satsuma Tea Set Hand painted Moriage Porcelain Early 1900s
Antique Nippon Royal Satsuma Tea Set Hand painted Moriage Porcelain Early 1900s
$99.00
Vintage Miniature Japanese Vase Satsuma Style Hand Painted Moriage Small Urn 3
Vintage Miniature Japanese Vase Satsuma Style Hand Painted Moriage Small Urn 3
$19.95
Antique MORIAGE Satsuma THREE 3 DANCING FROGS Spill Vase KAERU GOOD LUCK Japan
Antique MORIAGE Satsuma THREE 3 DANCING FROGS Spill Vase KAERU GOOD LUCK Japan
$79.95

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase

2 Vintage Japanese Satsuma Style Moriage Hand Painted Porcelain Vases On Stands
2 Vintage Japanese Satsuma Style Moriage Hand Painted Porcelain Vases On Stands
$35.00
Vintage Porcelain Satsuma Moriage Rabbit Planter
Vintage Porcelain Satsuma Moriage Rabbit Planter
$18.00
Nippon Moriage Vase Satsuma Style Painted swans PRETTY
Nippon Moriage Vase Satsuma Style Painted swans PRETTY
$60.00

7 replies on “Antique Japanese Moriage”

Hello! I have been trying to find the history about the candy jar or whatever it is. I can’t find anything even close

Vase pictured below is marked (by hand) on the bottom with three red parallel lines, the third one curving outward at the top…maybe a Japanese character?

Hello, I have a similar style and decorated vase, also has those 3 finger type indentations around bottom. We’re you able to find any info about yours? I’d be interested.

Thanks,
Mrs. Owens

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