Pottery Mark Query - Hand painted and enamelled Vase with Japanses Writing

by Brian
(TN)

Pottery Mark Query - Hand painted and enamelled Vase with Japanses Writing:- Found in an estate sale and wanted to know more about this item.

Thanks

Brian

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Forum Help Elf says:-

Looks like a Japanese vase very loosely fitting the even looser description of the Japanese Satsuma style - with some enamelled moriage and a very hurried painting style elsewhere.

The later style of Satsuma ware dated from c. 1867 and was characterised by increasingly ornate over-glazing in polychrome enamels, moriage and gilding. These wares were specifically made for export in their thousands. Your item looks to have considerably less care in the making than such 19th century Satsuma wares.

The turn of the 20th Century saw the start of a new and sinister era in Japan. There was the turmoil of social and political change. I wouldn't be surprised (although I am not an expert, just a helper) that this was a 20th Century, made in a hurry for export type of item under the new, mad and bad Meiji period.

The Meiji (1868-1912) period saw vast unprecedented changes. Annoyed at the economic and military might of the Western nations, the Meiji government introduced a far-reaching programme of modernisation and expansionism in Japan. Out were the privileges of samurai rank, the castles and all daimyo lands which had supported former artistic endeavours.


The Japanese meiji modernisers had created a nationalistic modern industrial state with military might which, together with the creation of new heavy industries, created a dark new world which eventually lead to the tragedy of world War 2.

Many of the delightful ceramic art workshops, some of which had been passed down through 12 generations of the same family, had become small manufacturing units rather than studios. Previous artistic values had been jettisoned, shaping and design had become distinct from painting. Painters were no longer artists but workers paid a pittance by piece rate.

Between the two world wars, after the end of the meiji period and the export boom of the late 19th century, there was a drastic decline in production. It was a bad period for many types of Japanese wares and quality was seriously compromised. Beware items from this era as they are not generally worth much.

You would need an expert or more knowledgeable contributors than me to confirm or contradict my suspicions, but just be aware.

H.E.

For general free advice on how to research your collection yourself or find replacements for it, Peter wrote this page:

value of antiques.