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Overview
A large vintage Japanese vase painted with a waterside scene of lotus plants and a waterbird. Broad blue lotus leaves, blue seed pods and pink lotus blossoms rise on slender stems among gold reeds, with the details outlined in fine gold lines. On the back, a long-necked waterbird in gold and brown stands among the reeds and lotus. The neck has a band of blue leafy vines, and the shoulder and lower body carry wide reddish-brown bands with gold key-fret and geometric patterns. The cream glaze has an even crackle all over, including inside the flared mouth, and the rim is finished in gold. It comes with a carved wooden stand and suits a mantel, sideboard, entry table or bookcase.
Background
Kutani and Satsuma are two of Japan's best-known traditions of painted and gilded ceramics. The oval gold label on the base reads "Kutani/Satsuma, TOYO, Japan, Hand Painted." The base also has a stamped mark in a double rectangle: a circled cross, the crest of the Shimazu family who ruled the old Satsuma domain, followed by the characters 薩摩, which read "Satsuma." This mark names the type of ware rather than an individual painter. The vase was likely made in the mid to late 20th century.
Condition
Good vintage condition. No chips, cracks or repairs are visible. The crackle in the glaze is part of the finish. There is light wear to the gold in places, some grime on the unglazed foot ring, and the gold label is lifting slightly at one edge. The wooden stand has light wear. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The vase alone stands about 17 inches tall and is about 8 inches wide at its widest point; the wooden stand adds a little height. Together the vase and stand weigh 7 lb 7.2 oz. The wooden stand is included in the sale. The large carved octagonal table shown in the photos is a display prop and is not included.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
