£395.00
An exceptionally vibrant and finely decorated Japanese Satsuma pottery vase, dating from the late Meiji period (circa 1890–1910), now elegantly repurposed as a bespoke table lamp. The ovoid body is masterfully hand-painted in a rich palette of iron-red, burnt orange, and gold, featuring a continuous narrative scene of Immortals or scholarly figures.
The decoration is executed with characteristic moriage (raised enamel) techniques, providing a wonderful tactile quality to the flowing robes and traditional headgear. The figures are set against a landscape of stylized clouds and geometric brocade borders. This piece has been professionally sympathetically mounted with high-quality, heavy-gauge brass fittings that complement the warm tones of the ceramic, creating a bridge between Eastern antiquity and classic European interior design.
Satsuma ware originated in the Satsuma province of southern Kyushu. By the Meiji era, it became one of Japan's most famous exports to the West. The style seen here, often referred to as "Kyoto Satsuma," is noted for its ivory-coloured crackle glaze and elaborate overglaze painting. These wares were the height of fashion during the Japonisme movement in late 19th-century Britain, appearing in the finest Victorian and Edwardian homes.
"What draws me to this particular piece is the extraordinary preservation of the enamels. Many Satsuma wares of this era can appear tired, but the 'jewelled' white highlights on the robes here still catch the light beautifully. The conversion to a lamp was handled with great care; we’ve used a solid brass stepped base and a matching cap to ensure the silhouette remains balanced. It is a striking 'statement piece' that would sit comfortably in both a traditional library or a contemporary drawing room."
The ceramic body is in excellent antique condition, free from chips, cracks, or significant restoration. There is age-appropriate fine crazing to the glaze, which is a natural characteristic of authentic Satsuma pottery. The brass mounts are new and polished.
Fully restored and modernised. Rewired to stringent UK standards using premium British-made components, including a brass B22 bayonet bulb holder and a gold-braided silk flex.
PAT inspected and certified for immediate domestic use.
Height:Â Â Â Â Â Â 42 cm /Â Â Â 16.5 inch
Width:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 13 cm /Â Â Â 5.1 inch
Depth:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 13 cm /Â Â Â 5.1 inch
Weight:Â Â Â Â Â Â 1.4 k.g. /Â Â 3.1 lbs
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods