Vintage collectibles: Satsuma vases

Written 17 May , 2010

The pottery style of Satsuma started in Japan’s southern island of Kyushu in the late part of the 19th century and pieces continued to be produced through the early 1920’s. However, there have been archeological finds and records which prove that people in that area were already making ceramic pottery as early as the 16th century.

After Korea’s invasion by Japan in the 17th century, Prince Himazu Yoshihiro of Satsuma returned and brought with him Korean potters. Although these potters were ordered to work in Japan against their will, they brought along their equipment and tools and established the soon to be renowned kiln for making pottery.

Using the locally abundant brown clay, the Koreans started to produce satsuma vases that were halfway from being pottery and porcelain. Baked in a slow kiln, these pieces were later mass-produced along with other pottery and exported throughout the world. satsuma pottery is renowned for its unique and elaborate art, designs and glazing that embellish the surface of every piece.

Vases made in the Satsuma tradition or from that period bear certain hallmark signs. Along with other pottery, they are creamy and sometimes beige in color. The vases are then hand-painted in artistically ornate designs depicting flowers, animals, landscapes and scenes featuring Japanese life. The piece is then treated with a thin layer of translucent glaze which is meant to result in a crackled finish. These 3 distinctive features make the satsuma vases value excel above other pieces produced during the same period.

Satsuma vases and other pottery are obtainable in black or white. White vases are the most common and come in beige or ivory color. However, black pieces were also produced for the lower caste of Japan’s society. White satsuma vases value was held so high that potters have to secure permits from the local authorities before producing any of the pottery.

Vases come in various heights. The most common satsuma vases are around 30 to 40 inches high while the taller ones can reach a height of up to one meter. The vases come as well in different shapes and widths with some being shorter and more squat in design.

Satsuma pottery still holds great value and vintage pieces are highly sought-after. An antique pair of Satsuma mantle vases can cost around $400 while a pair of rare Meiji period Satsuma Moon Vases is sold as high as $3,500. It is best to bring along an antique expert before paying for such high-valued pieces.