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Greetings. I have this figurine thats approx.23"h.
I think it's Satsuma
Would someone please help me with the translation of the mark and when it was used. any information is appreciated.
Who is the statue is of. thank you

I believe the image is the Boatsu or Bodhisattva Kannon, the Japanese version of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and a manifestation of the Mortal Buddha Avalokiteshvara. The base mark beneath the crest of the Dukes of Satsuma, reads down from the top right as "Satsuma, Made by Jukan" (薩摩, 壽官造 - these are standard characters, and the third is written in variant form on your image).

Chin Jukan (沈壽官 - 1835-1906) established one of the most successful workshops producing the famed Satsuma "Nishikide" wares in 1857 at Naeshirogawa, near Kagoshima. He was a contemporary of Makuzu Kozan, arguably the most famous Japanese potter of that and any other era. Chin's vases were a hit at the Vienna Exposition of 1873.

Perhaps Guy and other well-versed contributors on matters Japanese can comment further on how this images fits with that period, though it looks like very nice workmanship to my less well focused eye on the Japanese ceramics arena.

Best regards,

Bill H.

I largely agree with Bill about the Jukan part.
However, the 3 characters on the right spell 薩广焼 = Satsuma Yaki (Satsuma ware), with the short form of the "ma" character 摩.

Regards,
Martin.

Martin, I hang my head in shame. I think that's at least the second time you caught me sleeping through the "Yaki". :(

Bill H.

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