This is the kind of post where I like to right some wrongs and dispel some errors when it comes to buying antique Satsuma pottery pieces
My points are as follows:
- The majority of these lamps are made from Satsuma "Style" vases and pots that have been changed to hold a wooden stand and electrical connection.
- No right minded antiques collector would wreck an original piece to turn it into a lamp. They would just be crazy. Apart from drilling a hole in the base for the electrical cord to run through, they also block off the hole at the top too.
- These vases are only imitation Satsuma. They are produced in the Satsuma style only - so be careful and wary of buying ones that claim to be antique.
- You may come across an old lamp from the 40's, after Satsuma pottery became massively popular all over the world, but that is most likely the most antique you will get. There may be exceptions to this rule, but I think this is right.
So please be aware of my thoughts on this subject and buy knowing exactly what you are getting.
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4 replies on “Satsuma Table Lamp”
Unsure of the provenance of my piece. The wisteria and gilt is beautifully done. Bottom shows 2 marks. The red is not legible to me but the gilt mark is.
ich habe eine tischlampe die seit 1933 im familienbesitz ist. sie hat diesen Stempel. und noch im holzfuß den stempel Made in japan. elefant mit göttin eingerollter rüssel wie erfahre ich den wert?
I have a Satsuma vase that has been made into a lamp and would like to find out the value.
Hi Donna.
If it has been damaged by making it into a lamp, then it will not be worth that much money, unfortunately. Take a look at the online antique pricing service we recommend – it’s quick and quite cheap too.