How do I identify my Satsuma ware?

Earthenware pottery All Satsuma ware is earthenware. You can tell it from porcelain by the weight. Pottery is heavier and won’t have the eggshell glow when held up to the light and won’t resonate like porcelain does when tapped. If the decoration looks like Satsuma but it is porcelain, then it is likely Kutani.

Is Satsuma ware valuable?

Because of its long history and popularity through time, the price of Satsuma ware can range from less than one hundred pounds to many thousands of pounds. This makes it a very accessible art form to many collectors including those that are just starting out.

How do you identify Japanese pottery marks?

Signatures are usually followed by a suffix, for example Sei, tsukuru or saku all meaning “made”, or Ga, Dzu or Fude meaning “painted” or “drawn”. Then there are place names, Satsuma, Kutani, Seto etc. To read these requires references such as a good Japanese/English dictionary such as Nelsons.

What do numbers mean on bottom of pottery?

There are marks that indicate a specific mold called a mold number. These numbers often look like dates such as 1953 or 1789. It is rare that a piece of pottery will have a date stamped or embossed into its base. If a number looks like a date or a year, it is most likely a mold number.

Are all Satsuma vases marked?

Genuine Satsuma is hand-painted with Japanese images, Chinese figures do not appear on genuine Satsuma and genuine Satsuma is marked in Japanese. Not all Satsuma marks are the same. I am familiar with at least ten but I’m sure there are more. Satsuma usually has the artist’s signature along with the Satsuma mark.

How old is marked Japan?

If your piece is marked “Nippon,” then it was made and imported between 1891 and 1921. If it is marked “Japan”, then your piece was made and imported after 1921. The mark may tell you where your piece was made and if you know the history of understanding pottery marks, then the mark can help you date your piece too.

What does Satsuma mean in Japan?

seedless mandarin orange
Satsuma definition A seedless mandarin orange originally cultivated in Japan. noun. 5. A Japanese porcelain. noun.

Are items marked made in Japan valuable?

These pieces usually were marked “Made in Occupied Japan,” “Made in Japan” or simply “Japan.” The products–including souvenirs, lamps, dinnerware and toys–eventually became collectible. From what we’ve seen in dealer catalogues, however, their value is relatively low, with few items approaching the $50 level.

Is Japanese pottery valuable?

These Japanese vases with gold glaze are valuable collectibles, with most existing pieces made during the latter half of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th.

How can you tell if a Japanese vase is antique?

Look for a NIPPON mark. Prior to 1921, the United States required that all items imported from Japan be marked with NIPPON. After 1921, Japanese manufacturers marked their imports with JAPAN. The NIPPON mark was placed on the bottom of the vase and may be accompanied by a date, as well as the manufacturer’s name.

What is a Japanese Satsuma vase?

It is a distinctive Japanese pottery present during the Meiji period (1868 to 1912). The ceramic example has a warm cream, ivory to beige background with a crackled glaze. It bears over-glaze designs in orange, green, blue, red, or gold decoration.

Are items marked Japan valuable?

How do you know if a figurine is valuable?

So, the better the condition, the greater the value. Beyond that, the rarity, age and quality of a figurine will also work together to determine its value. Chips, cracks, faded or rubbed away paint, and crazing can all lower the value of any ceramics, including figurines.

Is Satsuma made in China?

Satsuma pottery is from Japan. It was made in the 1860s and was sometimes purchased by American visitors to Japan and brought home.

What is the difference between Moriage and Satsuma?

Moriage is a slip decoration of raised enamels. It occurs on Satsuma wares as early as circa 1890 but tends to be more carefully applied on early pieces. Moriage also seems to be limited to pieces made outside of the Satsuma domain while being typical for Kyoto Satsuma ware.

How old are items marked Japan?

What’s the difference between made in Japan and Made in occupied Japan?

Not all products made in Japan between 1946 and April 1952 are marked “Made in Occupied Japan” or “Occupied Japan.” Some pieces simply were marked “Japan” or “Made in Japan.” However, collectors of Occupied Japan material insist that “Occupied” be found in the mark for an item to be considered a true Occupied Japan …

What is the most famous Japanese pottery?

9 Most Notable Styles Of Japanese Ceramics

  • Arita ware, Saga Prefecture.
  • Seto ware, Aichi Prefecture.
  • Mino ware, Gifu Prefecture.
  • Takoname ware, Aichi Prefecture.
  • Shigaraki ware, Shiga Prefecture.
  • Bizen ware, Okayama Prefecture.
  • Karatsu ware, Saga Prefecture.
  • Kutani ware, Ishikawa Prefecture.