Categories
satsuma

Satsuma Tea Set

good example of satsuma tea set

Although Satsuma style pottery can be very old, there are still a number of Tea Sets that were made during this time period.

The Satsuma Tea Sets usually come as a set, often in a wooden presentation case inlaid with a soft material such as velvet or silk.  However, it is also possible that the set may be more modern, which is also something you would need to look out for when buying.

This kind of pottery tea set also features the intricate designs, patterns and images that make the Satsuma style so popular and collectable all over the world.

You may find a set with images of Geisha girls on or minute pictures of plants and flowers.  The images are so tiny and intricate that it is hard to believe that they have been created by hand, hundreds of years ago.  It is also common to find imagery of the Japanese Immortal gods on these pieces - especially the saucers and bowls.

However, these gods of wealth, wisdom and luck are featured heavily on many of the potteries from the Satsuma region and time period.

Many pieces also seem to feature dragons as the motif, with the teapot especially, using the dragon's head and neck as the pouring spout.  It is also common for these pieces to be painted in quite dark colours, using Gosu blue and also lots of gold.

Even though they were designed for everyday use in Japan, it is likely that some sets were merely decorative, or were designed to be presented as gifts, rather than used to drink green tea on a regular basis.

When buying a Satsuma tea set, make sure that you ensure that it is all in place. The set often comprises of a small tea-pot and some small bowls or cups (later on).

Also, make sure that the markings on the bottom of the set are not written in English as this is a good indication that it is not an original piece and could be a copy or a more modern reproduction.

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Satsuma Stoneware 21 Piece Tea Set Cherry Blossoms Gilded late 1800s early 1900s
Satsuma Stoneware 21 Piece Tea Set Cherry Blossoms Gilded late 1800s early 1900s
$175.00
13 Pc Antique Japanese Satsuma Dragon Teapot Tea Service Set Meiji Era Marked
13 Pc Antique Japanese Satsuma Dragon Teapot Tea Service Set Meiji Era Marked
$349.99
Vintage 17 Pc Japanese Satsuma Moriage Tea Set Red Gold Gilt Geisha Porcelain
Vintage 17 Pc Japanese Satsuma Moriage Tea Set Red Gold Gilt Geisha Porcelain
$125.00

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Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain 18pc Tea Set 1880 1912 RARE Mountain Floral
Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain 18pc Tea Set 1880 1912 RARE Mountain Floral
$159.00
Antique Japanese Satsuma Betsons Gold Gilt Painted Geisha Teapot Tea Set
Antique Japanese Satsuma Betsons Gold Gilt Painted Geisha Teapot Tea Set
$125.00
Japan Satsuma Zhimazu Clan Mark Dragonware Tea Set Pot Sugar Creamer Plates
Japan Satsuma Zhimazu Clan Mark Dragonware Tea Set Pot Sugar Creamer Plates
$91.00

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Antique Gold Matte Black Japanese Satsuma Kutani Porcelain Tea Set
Antique Gold Matte Black Japanese Satsuma Kutani Porcelain Tea Set
$49.95
Vintage Japanese Satsuma Moriage Gold Dragon Ware 70 Piece Complete Tea Set
Vintage Japanese Satsuma Moriage Gold Dragon Ware 70 Piece Complete Tea Set
$700.00
Antique Satsuma Kinkozan Japanese Meiji Period Miniature Tea Set Singed Marked
Antique Satsuma Kinkozan Japanese Meiji Period Miniature Tea Set Singed Marked
£182.29
Categories
satsuma

Japanese Tea Set

One of the most common items to collect, if you are interested in Asian or Japanese antiques is a Japanese Tea Set. These delicate, fine items, made from pottery or porcelain are very valuable, collectible and desirable.

Green Tea was first used by religious groups back in the 13th century and since then, tea and tea ceremonies have become very important to Japanese people who still perform them today.  The cups were also used to drink Sake, another popular drink from Japanese culture.  Each of the items in the Japanese Tea Set are handled with great care and cleaned thoroughly before and after use. The ceremony is carried out with certain movements and processes performed at certain times.

The pottery or porcelain used to serve the tea to the guests is usually quite small. The cups or bowls that are used to drink from are only large enough to contain no more than 3-4 small mouthfuls of tea. Nothing like the mugs we use for our coffee. As with other Satsuma Pottery, the items will be highly decorated with images of Japanese life, flowers, wildlife or people. They also follow the same crackling glaze as seen on other items such as the popular Satsuma Vases, but also with a yellowish glaze to them.

If you are looking to purchase a Japanese or Satsuma Tea Set, one of the most important things to consider is the condition. Most tea sets were kept in a wooden box which is inlayed with silk or another soft cloth. Therefore, the items should be well cared for, clean and undamaged. Look out for hairline cracks or chips in the cups and bowls as these will be most likely.

You also need to remember that the Satsuma style was heavily copied throughout the world and therefore, not all "Satsuma" marked pieces are real antiques. Make sure you know what you are buying before you pay.  Another tell-tale sign to look for when buying any piece of Satsuma is that it should have a yellowish glaze to it.  Man,y more modern pieces, appear whiter than they should, which is a good sign that they have been produced using more recent technologies.

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Satsuma Stoneware 21 Piece Tea Set Cherry Blossoms Gilded late 1800s early 1900s
Satsuma Stoneware 21 Piece Tea Set Cherry Blossoms Gilded late 1800s early 1900s
$175.00
13 Pc Antique Japanese Satsuma Dragon Teapot Tea Service Set Meiji Era Marked
13 Pc Antique Japanese Satsuma Dragon Teapot Tea Service Set Meiji Era Marked
$349.99
Antique Satsuma Tea Cup 1820 1830
Antique Satsuma Tea Cup 1820 1830
$500.00

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Antique Japanese Satsuma Tea signed Gyokuzan Meiji period 1868 1912
Antique Japanese Satsuma Tea signed Gyokuzan Meiji period 1868 1912
$599.99
Japan Satsuma Zhimazu Clan Mark Dragonware Tea Set Pot Sugar Creamer Plates
Japan Satsuma Zhimazu Clan Mark Dragonware Tea Set Pot Sugar Creamer Plates
$91.00
Antique Rare Japanese Satsuma Tea Cup  Saucer
Antique Rare Japanese Satsuma Tea Cup Saucer
$99.99

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Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain 18pc Tea Set 1880 1912 RARE Mountain Floral
Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain 18pc Tea Set 1880 1912 RARE Mountain Floral
$159.00
Vintage Satsuma Tea Pot Set Plate Saucer Cup Japan Hand Painted Porcelain Raised
Vintage Satsuma Tea Pot Set Plate Saucer Cup Japan Hand Painted Porcelain Raised
$14.99
Antique Japanese Satsuma Betsons Gold Gilt Painted Geisha Teapot Tea Set
Antique Japanese Satsuma Betsons Gold Gilt Painted Geisha Teapot Tea Set
$125.00

Categories
satsuma

Satsuma Antiques

a typical satsuma ginger jarThere are many types of Satsuma Antiques to collect. The Satsuma region of Japan produced many different styles and types of pottery over the last 200 years and much of it can be considered as valuable.  The delicate finish and fine craftsmanship often draw people to Japanese art and pieces and there is nothing more suited to being collected than this style of pottery.  Satsuma is often compared to Chinese porcelain, as they were both made with similar care and perfection.  However, I believe that the Chinese items to be more dull in color, compared to the bright and vivid imagery that you can find on Satsuma pieces.

Due to the quality and skill of the makers of these pieces, many have lasted several hundred years and people have found that they have been passed down through their families.  Many Satsuma pieces can also be bought at auction or you may even be lucky enough to pick one up at a local house sale or thrift shop.

Satsuma Vases are very popular among collectors. These vases, some as tall as 9 or 10 inches, are highly decorated with pictures of Japanese Geisha girls or images of wildlife. Used mainly for the display of flowers, a Satsuma Vase is a great addition to any collection of Japanese porcelain or pottery.  Other popular items include bowls and ginger jars, which seem to be very popular too.  The short ginger jar is widely associated with Japanese antiques and culture and therefore you may find more of these types of items if you are looking to buy.

Another popular Satsuma antique are the Satsuma Geisha Buttons. These tiny, delicately decorated earthenware buttons were worn on the clothing of Japanese Geisha girls. They are often hand painted with images of plants, flowers or animals.

There are many types of Satsuma Pottery you could collect. Always look for the tell tale crackled glaze, yellowish appearance and intricate and sometimes raised decoration.  It is also important that you turn the item over and check for the makers marking on the bottom before you buy.  The style of design was copied massively, all over the world, after it became popular, with many pieces being copied and mass produced.  This lead to there being printed markings written in English such as "Hand Painted Royal Satsuma" rather than a hand painted Shimazu crest and the name of the individual maker or kiln in Japan.

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Beautiful Antique Japanese Satsuma Hand Painted Porcelain Vase Signed
Beautiful Antique Japanese Satsuma Hand Painted Porcelain Vase Signed
$150.50
Japanese Satsuma gosso blue satsuma vase decorated with hanging wisteria flowers
Japanese Satsuma gosso blue satsuma vase decorated with hanging wisteria flowers
$105.00
Antique Japanese Pottery Vase Jar Ginger Urn w Lid Satsuma Meiji Period Foo Dog
Antique Japanese Pottery Vase Jar Ginger Urn w Lid Satsuma Meiji Period Foo Dog
$28.00

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Large Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase Rare Scenes Kinkozan
Large Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase Rare Scenes Kinkozan
£707.25
Vintage Koshida Satsuma Japanese 6 Wisteria Vase Signed
Vintage Koshida Satsuma Japanese 6 Wisteria Vase Signed
$39.00
Signed Antique Mirror Pair Satsuma Vases Meiji 16cm
Signed Antique Mirror Pair Satsuma Vases Meiji 16cm
£90.93

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ANTIQUE JAPANESE KUTANI SATSUMA VASE Signed PORCELAIN 8
ANTIQUE JAPANESE KUTANI SATSUMA VASE Signed PORCELAIN 8
$40.00
Satsuma High Relief Vase with Warrior Samurai Winged Creature 18 Inch AS IS
Satsuma High Relief Vase with Warrior Samurai Winged Creature 18 Inch AS IS
$13.50
A large Japanese Satsuma vase Meiji period YABU MEIZAN
A large Japanese Satsuma vase Meiji period YABU MEIZAN
$1,795.00

Categories
satsuma

Royal Satsuma

When you begin to collect or become interested in Satsuma Pottery, you may come across several terms that you are unfamiliar with. One such term which can also be misleading is "Royal Satsuma".

example of a royal satsuma marking

The term "Royal Satsuma" refers to the type of Satsuma Pottery that was mass produced to be sold abroad. It is also possible that the piece of pottery was even made in somewhere like China too - such was the demand for Satsuma style pieces after they were made known to the world.

Satsuma fit for royalty?

The name "Royal Satsuma" comes from the fact that it was favored by European royalty, including Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who is said to have collected many pieces of original antique Satsuma.

However, if you have a piece of pottery that is marked "Royal Satsuma" on the bottom, then it is almost certainly not an authentic piece from Japan. It could have been made in Japan, but it will not be a proper antique. It was not until the late 1940's that potters in Japan began to use English words to mark their work.

As a rule of thumb, when buying or checking any pieces of "antique satsuma pottery" if it has ANY English words on, then it will certainly not be from the Meiji Period.

royal satsuma marking
As you can see from this example of a badly printed "ROYAL HANDPAINTED SATSUMA" marking that one of our readers sent in, the quality of these pieces is not great. Certainly not fit for a king or queen!

Also, anything sold as "Royal Satsuma" will not be from a Japanese Royal palace or have belonged to the Emperor - it will most likely not be from Japan at all.

However, these pieces are very beautiful and are collectible and can fetch a good price if they are in very good condition.  Just make sure you are fully aware of what you are buying before spending money on what appears to be an antique piece, which many sellers claim them to be.

Many people who contact me regarding pieces they have been given or bought have this style of Satsuma and the information that it could be next to worthless in terms of value, can be bad news to give.

You can read more on valuing a piece you own here on one of our recent articles.

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Vintage Japanese Royal Satsuma Moriage Porcelain Vase 135 Hand Painted Stamped
Vintage Japanese Royal Satsuma Moriage Porcelain Vase 135 Hand Painted Stamped
$42.00
Vintage Royal Satsuma Japan Shallow Bowl Dish Hand Painted Ornate Design
Vintage Royal Satsuma Japan Shallow Bowl Dish Hand Painted Ornate Design
$20.00
Antique Royal Satsuma 4 Fish Bowl Pheasant Gold Gilded Moriage Succulent Pot
Antique Royal Satsuma 4 Fish Bowl Pheasant Gold Gilded Moriage Succulent Pot
$28.00

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Vintage Japan Marked SignedTeapot GOLD Immortals Gold Royal Satsuma Never Used
Vintage Japan Marked SignedTeapot GOLD Immortals Gold Royal Satsuma Never Used
$50.00
Antique Royal Satsuma Vase Pair 2 Porcelain 6 1 4
Antique Royal Satsuma Vase Pair 2 Porcelain 6 1 4
$25.00
Vintage Royal Satsuma 115L Hand Painted Geisha Girls Oval Bowl With Lid
Vintage Royal Satsuma 115L Hand Painted Geisha Girls Oval Bowl With Lid
$22.00

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Large Gilded Japanese Royal Satsuma Type 2 Handled Jar with Lid 17 Tall 12Wide
Large Gilded Japanese Royal Satsuma Type 2 Handled Jar with Lid 17 Tall 12Wide
$65.00
Vintage Signed Royal Satsuma Geisha Cachepot
Vintage Signed Royal Satsuma Geisha Cachepot
$9.95
Vintage Original Japanese Royal Satsuma Vase 12 Gold Gilt Hand Painted
Vintage Original Japanese Royal Satsuma Vase 12 Gold Gilt Hand Painted
$950.00
Categories
satsuma

Satsuma Meiji Period

The Japanese Meiji Period runs from 1868 to 1912 and during this time there were many events that shaped Japan and also the pottery and porcelain that was being made.

The Shimazu Satsuma Clan who were based on the same southern island of Japan and from the area responsible for creating the exquisite pottery began a revolt against the government as they were not happy with the direction they were taking. The Satsuma Samurai rose up against the army of the Meiji government, swords against guns.

The uprising was swiftly crushed by the government army but the tales of the rebellion and uprising live on in the pottery and art from that period. Images of war, of the Samurai - notably Saigo Takamori or Kido Koin - both important figures in this era appear on the sides of the Satsuma Vases and bowls, fighting for their beliefs.

Satsuma Pottery from the Meiji Period is a popular choice among collectors and antique buyers due to the historic times when it was created as well as the fine craftsmanship and quality.

The style of painting on many pieces from the Meiji period is known as Kinran-de or "gild on". Many of the scenes and images painted are usually of the upper classes of Japanese society undertaking leisure activities, such as walking.  The images painted in this period usually reflect back to the previous periods, such as the Edo period (1600-1867) and can feature landscape views of oceans, mountains and trees with beautiful cherry blossoms (a definite hallmark of Japan and Japanese art in general).

However, Meiji satsumaware was actually hardly seen or used in Japan and was mainly produced for export to other parts of the world, where the Satsuma style had become very desirable.

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A large Japanese Satsuma vase Meiji period YABU MEIZAN
A large Japanese Satsuma vase Meiji period YABU MEIZAN
$1,795.00
Large Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase Rare Scenes Kinkozan
Large Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase Rare Scenes Kinkozan
£707.25
Signed Antique Mirror Pair Satsuma Vases Meiji 16cm
Signed Antique Mirror Pair Satsuma Vases Meiji 16cm
£90.93

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SUPERB Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase Signed by Shozan Meiji Period c1890 25cms
SUPERB Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase Signed by Shozan Meiji Period c1890 25cms
£112.40
Antique Japanese Pottery Vase Jar Ginger Urn w Lid Satsuma Meiji Period Foo Dog
Antique Japanese Pottery Vase Jar Ginger Urn w Lid Satsuma Meiji Period Foo Dog
$28.00
Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase Signed
Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase Signed
£2.78

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Important Japanese Meiji Sculptural Satsuma Vase By Makuzu Kozan
Important Japanese Meiji Sculptural Satsuma Vase By Makuzu Kozan
$9,999.00
Antique Japanese Satsuma Tea signed Gyokuzan Meiji period 1868 1912
Antique Japanese Satsuma Tea signed Gyokuzan Meiji period 1868 1912
$599.99
Antique Meiji Satsuma Foo Dog Lion Lidded Jar Japanese Ashes Urn 125
Antique Meiji Satsuma Foo Dog Lion Lidded Jar Japanese Ashes Urn 125
$84.99

Categories
satsuma

Satsuma Gosu Blue

A term that is used frequently regarding Satsuma or Japanese pottery and ceramics is "Gosu Blue".

Gosu Blue refers to the use of certain natural minerals and elements such as Cobalt or Asbolite to be used as the base for an under glaze or over glaze of the piece of pottery. Satsuma Pottery that has been decorated using the Gosu Blue techniques has a certain bluish hue to the images that are hand painted onto the surface of the pottery.

If Gosu Blue is used as an over glaze, the images become brighter and more vivid.

Gosu Blue Satsuma Pottery is possibly the most popular type to own and therefore commands a higher price than other types of Japanese ceramics. Pottery that was produced using this method was seldom made and was made during the mid 19th century in Kyoto, Japan.

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Japanese Meiji Gosu Blue Satsuma Scholar KANNON Guanyin Figurine
Japanese Meiji Gosu Blue Satsuma Scholar KANNON Guanyin Figurine
$495.00
Museum Japanese Meiji Gosu Blue Satsuma Vase Chicken By Hozan
Museum Japanese Meiji Gosu Blue Satsuma Vase Chicken By Hozan
$7,799.00
19C Japanese Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Signed Bowl 7 Inch Diameter
19C Japanese Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Signed Bowl 7 Inch Diameter
$1,199.00

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Japanese Edo Period Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Signed Covered Box 5 Inches
Japanese Edo Period Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Signed Covered Box 5 Inches
$1,499.00
Antique Japanese Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Signed Covered Censor 6 3 4 Inches
Antique Japanese Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Signed Covered Censor 6 3 4 Inches
$1,799.00
Antique Japanese Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Vase Iris Flowers 1800s Japan
Antique Japanese Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Vase Iris Flowers 1800s Japan
$999.99

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Miniature Satsuma Gosu Blue Vase Bowl with Dolls and Flowers
Miniature Satsuma Gosu Blue Vase Bowl with Dolls and Flowers
$299.00
Antique Japanese Imperial Satsuma Ceramic Gosu Blue Miniature Vase Snowflakes
Antique Japanese Imperial Satsuma Ceramic Gosu Blue Miniature Vase Snowflakes
$499.99
Antique Japanese Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Signed Vase 8 1 2 Inches Height
Antique Japanese Imperial Satsuma Gosu Blue Signed Vase 8 1 2 Inches Height
$1,199.00

Categories
satsuma

Satsuma Ginger Jar

Another item made by the famous potters of the Satsuma region and other parts of Japan, Asia and the East are jars that are used for storing foods or precious scents. These jars have become known as Ginger Jars.

These jars come in various different sizes, from as small as 5 inches tall to over 2-3 feet tall and were used to store food items such as salt, rice, ginger and spices. They are typically smaller at the base, rising to a wider "hip" and then returning to a smaller opening at the top which is usually covered with a lid to keep the contents fresh.

As per the other items of Satsuma Pottery, the ginger jars are covered with intricate and beautiful designs, patterns and images of Japanese life, culture, plants, flowers and people.

In modern times, it is popular for the larger of the ginger jars to be turned into lamps. Due to their size and weight, the design makes a perfect lamp base to be displayed and used all over your home or office.  However, it is very unlikely (or foolish) for someone to use a real antique piece in this manner.  The lamps on sale are mostly in the Satsuma style, with the relevant designs and hallmarks, but not of any real value.

The smaller Satsuma Ginger Jars are more collectible than the larger ones, and jars that are highly decorated with hand painted enamel are the most sought after. Make sure you look for any damage when buying a jar and also make sure that you are buying an authentic piece, not a mass production version.

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Vintage SATSUMA Ginger Jar White Gold Black Flowers Birds 55 Floral Oriental 2
Vintage SATSUMA Ginger Jar White Gold Black Flowers Birds 55 Floral Oriental 2
$19.97
Beautiful Vintage SATSUMA JAPAN Peacock Floral Asian Ginger Jar Vase Lidded Urn
Beautiful Vintage SATSUMA JAPAN Peacock Floral Asian Ginger Jar Vase Lidded Urn
$14.99
Antique Kutani Satsuma Iris Flowers Ginger Jar With Lid Artist Signed Vase
Antique Kutani Satsuma Iris Flowers Ginger Jar With Lid Artist Signed Vase
$199.00

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VTG Japanese Ceramic Satsuma Ginger Jar Vase
VTG Japanese Ceramic Satsuma Ginger Jar Vase
$9.99
Vintage Satsuma Peacock Ginger Jar  Lid Motif Ceramic Floral Gold Accent Japan
Vintage Satsuma Peacock Ginger Jar Lid Motif Ceramic Floral Gold Accent Japan
$29.95
Satsuma Moriage Ginger Jar Yellow With Japanese Scences 65 tall Very Detailed
Satsuma Moriage Ginger Jar Yellow With Japanese Scences 65 tall Very Detailed
$35.00

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Royal Satsuma Moriage Ginger Jar Handpainted
Royal Satsuma Moriage Ginger Jar Handpainted
$35.00
Antique Japanese Satsuma Lidded Ginger Jar
Antique Japanese Satsuma Lidded Ginger Jar
$78.00
Vintage Japanese Satsuma Ginger Jar 65 With Lid
Vintage Japanese Satsuma Ginger Jar 65 With Lid
$40.00

Categories
satsuma

Books For Identifying Satsuma Marks

Finding a good resource for identifying markings on Satsuma Pottery can be difficult. After all, we don't all have a well studied antiques expert in our pocket to ask for advice when we need them.

There are various books you can buy on the subject of identification of Japanese Pottery which includes the Satsuma range of pieces. These books form a good series of reference materials that you can use to identify the designs and styles of Satsuma and also examine the makers markings located on each piece.

Japanese Porcelain 1800-1950

Japanese Porcelain 1800-1950

(Schiffer Book for Collectors)
(Hardcover)
303 Pages

This book treads the line between a visual reference material for all manner of Japanese pottery styles including Arita and Imari, Kutani and Satsuma among many others. It features amazing full page images of each piece. noting the common styles and points to look out for. It is an excellent book for enthusiasts or trade collectors and sellers alike.

1100 Marks on Foreign Pottery & Porcelain book

1100 Marks on Foreign Pottery & Porcelain

(Paperback)
64 Pages

Featuring an excellent guide to finding markings on many different types of Satsuma and other world pottery, the 1100 Marks book will give you the confidence to make sure you are buying the real thing.

the best book on satsumaPossibly the best and most detailed book is called (unsurprisingly) "The Best Book On Satsuma" by Thomas S Kiernan, an expert on Japanese pottery and antiques. Featuring 236 pages of glorious images and markings, each described and translated, this is the book you need if you want to know as much about Satsuma Pottery as possible.This book is quite expensive and only normally available to buy direct from the author in Australia, so we recommend looking for it on eBay where copies of it turn up quite regularly.

Click here to search eBay for this book.
You will be automatically directed to your nearest eBay store.

Categories
satsuma

Nengo or Japanese Period Names

When using markings to identify Japanese Satsuma Pottery, it is important to know during which time period, or "Nengo" the piece was made. Knowing this fact will allow you or the buyer to make a better and more informed decision about the price and source of the piece.

The most commonly found Satsuma Pottery will be from the Meiji Period, which is from 1868 to today. During this time the potters and kilns of Satsuma and neighboring regions were producing lots of items which were sold abroad to collectors and enthusiasts. These items were of lower quality than ones made before this time.

Below you will find a table that shows the dates and markings associated with the different time periods along with the name.

1704 宝永 Houei
1711 正徳 Shoutoku
1716 享保 Kyouhou
1736 元文 Genbun
1741 寛保 Kanpou
1744 延享 Enkyou
1748 寛延 Kan'en
1751 宝暦 Houreki
1764 明和 Meiwa
1772 安永 An'ei
1781 天明 Tenmei
1789 寛政 Kansei
1801 享和 Kyouwa
1804 文化 Bunka
1818 文政 Bunsei
1830 天保 Tenpou
1844 弘化 Kouka
1848 嘉永 Kaei
1854 安政 Ansei
1860 万延 Man'en
1861 文久 Bunkyuu
1864 元治 Genji
1865 慶応 Keiou
1868 明治 Meiji
1912 大正 Taishou
1926 昭和 Shouwa
1989 平成 Heisei

The Japanese calendar is also referred to using the period name, followed by a number such "Meiji 2". This is used as before the Japanese began to use the Gregorian calendar in 1873, the years were marked following the succession of a new emperor. The period was named after a few years into the reign of the Emperor and ran for his entire govern-ship.

To covert a Japanese year to a western year, follow this simple rule:

Take the Japanese year, Example: "Meiji 14"

  1. Subtract 1 from the number.
  2. Find the beginning year of the reign of the Emperor of that period. In this example, the Meiji period or Nengo, runs from 1868 to 1912.
  3. Add the number from the previous calculation and this gives the western year.
  4. Meiji 14 = 14-1 = 13. 1868 + 13 = 1881
    Meiji 23 = 23-1 = 22. 1868 + 22 = 1890

Categories
Dragonware satsuma

Dragonware and Moriage Pottery

During the late 19th century, techniques used by the makers and styles of oriental pottery such as Satsuma and Dragonware began to evolve and progress as the potters became more skilled and had access to better and more advanced machinery and kilns.

The use of Moriage is widespread throughout the range of Japanese and Chinese pottery that has been available over the last 200 years. Moriage is the term used to describe the layering of small beads or lines of slip clay onto the surface of the pottery, vase or bowl which is then glazed over to leave a relief that can be felt and seen. The Moriage beads were often painted gold after the glaze had been applied, giving the pottery item a unique and special finish. The beads were all placed onto the pottery by hand before it was fired in the kiln. Later, when the mass production of such items was started, the addition of the slip clay beads was replaced by adding small dots of enamel which speeded up the production time of each of the items.

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Old Vintage Antique Nippon Moriage Japanese Tall Porcelain w Enamel Flower Vase
Old Vintage Antique Nippon Moriage Japanese Tall Porcelain w Enamel Flower Vase
$0.99
Antique Nippon Japan Tankard Pitcher Vase Hand Painted Scene w Applied Moriage
Antique Nippon Japan Tankard Pitcher Vase Hand Painted Scene w Applied Moriage
$49.00
Antique Imperial Nippon Handpainted Scenic Vase Moriage  Flow Blue Details
Antique Imperial Nippon Handpainted Scenic Vase Moriage Flow Blue Details
$80.00

Moriage was also taken one step further and was used to create pottery vases and barrels that have heavily stylized relief designs. Pottery such as Dragonware featured this style and method heavily. The term Dragonware is used to describe a pot or vase that has an oriental dragon motif that has been built up using fine layers of slip clay, making a deep relief of the dragon or serpent that curls around the outside of the piece of pottery. Slip clay is a thick liquid clay that is used to make porcelain and pottery. The Dragonware was then painted in bright colors with scenes or images of Japanese or Oriental life, and the dragons were usually left with a minimal or white coloring. Although it began to be made in the late 19th century, Dragonware is still made today and is still very popular, being exported all over the world.

The raised, 3 dimensional parts of the moriage and Dragonware pieces were often added to the pottery using a technique known as slipwork. This involves mixing the clay with water to form a runny substance which is then poured into a shaped mold and allowed to set for a period of time before being added to the pottery just before the firing process.

Some of the Dragonware and beaded moriage pottery may not be marked, painted with or stamped with the mark of the designer or factory where it was made. It was common for pieces of Nippon pottery to have a small paper label applied which may have now been lost or destroyed.

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Moriage VINTAGE Dragonware Blue Eyed Dragon Hand Painted Tea Cup and Saucer
Moriage VINTAGE Dragonware Blue Eyed Dragon Hand Painted Tea Cup and Saucer
$12.99
Vintage Japanese Dragonware Incense burner
Vintage Japanese Dragonware Incense burner
$19.99
Lot 8 Pc Moriage Dragonware Creamer Blue Purple Saucers Cup Set Textured
Lot 8 Pc Moriage Dragonware Creamer Blue Purple Saucers Cup Set Textured
$29.00

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Vintage Dragonware Occupied Japan Handled Tray 5 1 2
Vintage Dragonware Occupied Japan Handled Tray 5 1 2
$18.50
Vintage Moriage Dragonware 4 Pc Set Japan
Vintage Moriage Dragonware 4 Pc Set Japan
$24.00
Moriage Dragonware Demitasse Tea Cup Saucer Made in Japan Niagara Falls VINTAGE
Moriage Dragonware Demitasse Tea Cup Saucer Made in Japan Niagara Falls VINTAGE
$20.00

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dragonware teapot vg condition with great colors no maker marks  FREE SHIP
dragonware teapot vg condition with great colors no maker marks FREE SHIP
$28.00
Vintage Dragonware Cream and Sugar Lustre Blue Little Fork Hostess Set Florida
Vintage Dragonware Cream and Sugar Lustre Blue Little Fork Hostess Set Florida
$25.00
Vintage Hand Painted Dragonware Tea Service for 6 Blue Eyed Dragon
Vintage Hand Painted Dragonware Tea Service for 6 Blue Eyed Dragon
$69.99