What kind of pottery is the Shimazu family crest?
The circle with a cross that often makes up a part of the Satsuma pottery base mark is the Shimazu family crest. They ruled Satsuma Han. Satsuma Gosu Blue was produced in a very limited quantity in Kyoto in the mid-19th century, and is now the most sought after of the Satsuma wares.
What to look for in Japanese Satsuma pottery?
Collecting Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Pottery – What to look out for? Satsuma pottery is the Western name for very collectable type of Japanese earthenware exported throughout the world since the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). It is named after the Satsuma provinces, but was made in many parts of Japan, notably in Kyoto.
Where did the Satsuma porcelain get its name?
It is named after the Satsuma provinces, but was made in many parts of Japan, notably in Kyoto. Japanese sources suggest the Satsuma pottery tradition dates from the 17thC, but firm identification of any pieces earlier than the 19thC is difficult.
What do the makers marks mean on Satsuma?
Many of the Japanese makers marks on Satsuma porcelain or pottery are simply the name of the person who made the item, or a generic marking such as “Dai Nippon Satsuma”. You may also find that there are no main markings, only Japanese numbers. These types of markings are more common on larger vases that form part of a set.
Who are the Shimazu Mon in Satsuma pottery?
The circle with a cross that often make up a part of the marks, are the Shimazu mon or the family crest of the clan that ruled Satsuma Han however I doubt that any one of the Shimazu clan ever owned or, let alone ordered one Satsuma export style ware piece to be made.
How to read Satsuma marks-antique Japanese pottery?
If there are 2 lines of Kanji characters, move to the left and start at the top of the next line, reading downwards again. Many of the Japanese makers marks on Satsuma porcelain or pottery are simply the name of the person who made the item, or a generic marking such as “Dai Nippon Satsuma”.
It is named after the Satsuma provinces, but was made in many parts of Japan, notably in Kyoto. Japanese sources suggest the Satsuma pottery tradition dates from the 17thC, but firm identification of any pieces earlier than the 19thC is difficult.
Are there any Satsuma pieces that are in good condition?
Many satsuma pieces that are from the original location and from makers such as the Kinkozan family are rare and if intact and in good condition, can fetch a high price from collectors. There are many different pieces of Satsuma Pottery, but the most commonly collected are as follows:
