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Hi all,

I am just starting out in quest to collect a few authentic Satsuma pieces and stumbled across this one for a good price. Being half Japanese, and an antique collector, it has been something I have wanted to gain some knowledge in for quite a while. Would anybody happen to know whether this piece is authentic (from the Meiji period) and who/where this piece may have been made?

Many thanks!

Kent

I believe this mark is read as "Gyokuzan". The name was associated with the Meiji period, but one of the forum's Japanese experts would have to weigh in regarding whether the vase is of that era or not.

Best regards,

Bill H.

The mark is Gyokuzan 玉山.
Gyokuzan seems to be the art name (Go name) of Chin Jukan 12th (1835-1906). This beautiful piece of yours dates circa 1890-1900.

The first Chin Jukan, potter Chin Tokichi (Korean name: Shim Dang-gil), was kidnapped and taken to Satsuma during the Japanese invasion of Korea between 1592 and 1598. Since then, descendants have produced Satsuma ware which has become synonymous with Japanese ceramics.

Chin Jukan 12th established one of the most successful workshops producing the famed Satsuma "Nishikide" wares in 1857 at Nawashiro-gawa, near Kagoshima. In 1858 he was appointed head of the Government factory at Nawashiro-gawa. During the time of Jukan 12th, Satsuma ware was introduced to Europe at the 1873 Vienna International Exposition, where Jukan won several prices.

The Jukan Pottery is now at the 15th generation.
Regards,
Martin.

Thank you so much Bill and Martin.

Martin, the level of detail and knowledge in your response is really appreciated. I’m so happy to know it is actually a legitimate Meiji period piece from a respected Satsuma workshop! If I happen to stumble across another piece, I will be sure to ask this forum. Would you happen to know any good books for a starter to reference for Satsuma markings?

Hallo Kent,
Satsuma books, just google those 2 words and you find a lot of books about this subject.
But you can also read a lot about Satsuma and see the vases, plates, etc. as well, on the Trocadero site by searching "Satsuma" (on the right above side) and change "exclude archives" in "including archives". Enough entries for weeks to read, I did and learned a lot.
Succes,
Martin.

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