Japanese Satsuma Mug

Porcelain : Japanese : Satsuma

 

This is a lovely Japanese Satsuma mug with attached handles. It is marked on the bottom with the cross in the circle which is what we relate to Satsuma, and the maker's mark in a rectangle. I have just found out that the cross in the circle is what is called the 'Mon' of the Shimazu family. Prior to the Meiji restoration in 1872 it was always in Gosu Blue. This mark is in gold which makes this a later piece. This mark was used on Satsuma which the daimo felt were meritorious. This is the only authentic Satsuma mon. That does not mean that all Satsuma has to have it. The design is lovely with cherry blossoms, bamboo, bluebirds and a pagoda set in the mountains. Most of the items are outlined in gold. The piece is finely crazed which is what we find in high quality Satsuma. I would date this from the mid to late 1800's. There are no chips, cracks, dings or other damage. The mug measures 4 1/4" tall and 3 1/4" in diameter. The mug has the feel of being hand turned rather than mold made. For my priceing information I am using the 1981 issue of Treasury of Satsuma by Sandra Andacht, so my prices should be to your advantage. The use of the Shimazu mon indicated that it was thought to be a quality piece at the time of its making. What a great piece to add to your collection!!!

Item ID: con783

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