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You can see photos at my Flickr account

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23676403@N07/sets/72157622626233711/

Sorry that the photos are sideways....for some reason I couldn't get my computer to turn the image 90 degrees.

The vase is 12" tall and I believe the piece is done by Kinkozan (photo of signature). I bought the vase as a lamp, so it is drilled. There is no other damage other than a small amount wear to the gold decorations on the blue areas of the porcelain.

Can someone confirm if this is Kinkozan?

Also, how does being drilled affect the value of this vase? Similar size/style vases are listed on Christies for $10-15,000. However, mine has samurai and Mt. Fuji, which I find more interesting.

Final question, the undecorated areas of porcelain seem a bit yellow/brown. Is this something I should have cleaned or is this what collectors expect when they buy Satsuma? I've owned other type of earthenware and have used hyrdrogen peroxide to clean brown (oxidation) from the porcelain - it is quite easy.

Thanks for your help.
Tim

Arjan's comments are on-target.

While your vase may be better painted than many, these mass-made mainly for export.

Auction-house estimates sometimes far off mark. Remember auction house take money from vendor as well as percentage from buyer.

In auctions, some people always have more money than sense. Recent trend is high money only for the very best examples of most desirable types.

Only the most exquisitely decorated early Satsuma ware in perfect condition would have much price at auction.

Good luck,
Cal

Hello Tim,

I think you�re right and this could read Kinkozan. Most of the Kinkozan marked pieces were made between 1875 and 1927. My guess is that your vase is of the later part of that period. The drilling indeed decreased the value but I don�t think you come close to 10-15.000 even when your vase was in perfect shape. About the color; Satsuma is not porcelain but a kind of earthenware and the paste isn�t as white as porcelain but should be yellow/beige.

Regards,
Arjan

Thanks! I'll leave it in the color/condition that it is in. Tim

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