Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase With Peacocks, Meiji Period

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This antique Japanese Satsuma-style vase dates to the Meiji period (1868–1912) and features an elaborately hand-painted design showcasing a pair … Read more This antique Japanese Satsuma-style vase dates to the Meiji period (1868–1912) and features an elaborately hand-painted design showcasing a pair of peacocks surrounded by vibrant floral motifs, including cherry blossoms and blossoming branches. The vase is finished with the characteristic ivory-toned crackle glaze (kannyu) that defines traditional Satsuma ware, and the decoration is enriched with extensive gilding and raised enamel work known as moriage, adding texture and depth to the surface. The form is substantial and classical, with a baluster-shaped body and four small decorative handles near the neck, along with red and gold geometric banding typical of export-era Satsuma ceramics.

The base of the vase is marked with the word “Satsuma” (薩摩) in Japanese kanji along with the Shimazu clan crest, a cross within a circle, a hallmark commonly used on Satsuma ware produced for Western export during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Motifs such as peacocks and flowering branches fall within the kacho-ga tradition, symbolizing beauty, prosperity, and harmony with nature. The combination of fine crackled glaze, polychrome enamels, raised moriage detailing, and gilt highlights reflects the high level of craftsmanship achieved by Japanese artisans during the Meiji era, when Satsuma ware became highly sought after by international collectors. See less