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Subject:Satsuma Figure Man with Radish
Posted By: Bill Bruce Wed, Jun 06, 2012 IP: 75.74.48.198

Hi, Attached are pictures of a relatively large (14") Satsuma porcelain figure I recently acquired. My belief is it's relatively new (last 20 years) and not worth a whole lot but I thought I'd put it out for the experts to give their opinions. My questions are:
Chinese or Japanese?
How old (more or less)?
Any value?
What is the symbolism of the man holding the radish?
Thanks.
Regards,
Bill







Subject:Re: Satsuma Figure Man with Radish
Posted By: Bill H Fri, Jun 08, 2012

This is an apparently contemporary of image the Chinese Daoist longevity deity Shoulao, holding a peach in his right hand and a staff in his left. The figure is decorated in what I consider to be a somewhat unskilled manner with Japanese 'Moriage' slip-painted designs in the Kutani style, suggesting it might have been made in Japan.

However, even though this deity can be found in the Japanese pantheon among the 'Seven Lucky Gods', the market has been flooded by Chinese-made porcelain figurines and other ceramic wares such as vases in the Japanese style in recent years. It may be that this image is part of that influx. Are there any markings regarding origins on the base?

Best regards,

Bill H.

Subject:Re: Satsuma Figure Man with Radish
Posted By: Cal Fri, Jun 08, 2012

It is a peach. This would be one of the seven Lucky Gods of Japan, Fukurokuju. Such images in many styles made in millions.

Do internet search.

The figure does not look like anything usually called 'Satsuma' by Westerners.

Good luck,
Cal


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