Vintage 1920s 30s Japanese Satsuma Vase 12” High

This is a vintage 1920s 30s Japanese earthenware vase richly decorated in the Satsuma style, featuring a finely painted figural panel of a court lady framed by extensive gilt detailing. The reverse and surrounding panels depict a continuous landscape scene with mountains, water, boats, birds, flowering trees, and a dragon motif, all rendered in raised enamel and gold highlights.

The surface shows classic Satsuma characteristics: crackled ground, dense hand-applied moriage enamel work, and heavy use of gold outlining. The decoration is continuous around the body, with alternating figural and landscape scenes, and a shaped neck and foot with patterned borders. The interior and base are glazed in a pale beige tone with visible age-appropriate crazing.

Age / Dating: Based on the decorative techniques, colour palette, dense gilt work, raised enamel (moriage), and the absence of an impressed or painted maker’s mark, this vase most likely dates to the early to mid 20th century (circa 1920s–1930s).

Earlier Meiji-period Satsuma (late 19th century) typically shows finer, more restrained decoration and often bears a signed or marked base. The heavier gilding, bold relief enamels, and pictorial style seen here are consistent with export Satsuma wares produced between the World Wars.

Measurements:

Height: 12 inches
Diameter: approximately 7 inches at widest point

Condition: In very good condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs observed except chipping to a few of the moriage dots on the tree, really minor. Expected age-related crazing, consistent with Satsuma ware of this period. visible in the photos lit by strong photographic lighting, but not at all apparent under normal viewing.

This is a very attractive vintage 1920s 30s Japanese Satsuma vase in an impressive size - beautiful decorative accent in the right setting……