Pottery

What Is Satsuma Pottery: Ancient Japanese Craft Revealed

What Is Satsuma Pottery

Satsuma pottery is a type of Japanese pottery that originated from Satsuma Province in southern Kyūshū.

It can be divided into two categories: early Satsuma, made from around 1600, and export Satsuma, which began production in the nineteenth century.

Export Satsuma gained popularity among western consumers due to its gilded enamel designs, making it one of Japan’s most profitable export products.

Satsuma ware’s history dates back to the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century when Korean potters were brought to Japan, and the Satsuma region became a hub for pottery production.

The pottery is known for its delicate colors, simple floral patterns, and high-quality glaze and finish.

Satsuma ware reached its peak popularity in the early Meiji period and can vary in price depending on the quality and age of the piece.

Did You Know?

1. Satsuma pottery originated in Japan during the late 16th century and was initially produced exclusively for export to Europe.
2. Satsuma pottery gets its name from the region of Satsuma, which is located in modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
3. Unlike other types of Japanese pottery, Satsuma ware is typically characterized by its creamy white or beige glaze and intricate hand-painted designs.
4. Satsuma pottery became immensely popular during the late 19th century and was highly sought after by European collectors, particularly in France and England.
5. One fascinating aspect of Satsuma pottery is that it often features scenes from traditional Japanese folklore, historical events, or traditional Japanese literature, providing a window into Japanese culture and storytelling.

Origins And Categories Of Satsuma Pottery

Satsuma ware, a highly esteemed Japanese pottery, has its origins in the Satsuma Province of southern Kyūshū. This craft can be divided into two types: early Satsuma and export Satsuma.

The early Satsuma pottery, dating back to the seventeenth century, was primarily created for practical everyday use. These pieces were characterized by their simplicity and functional designs, lacking the intricate gilded enamel that would later become synonymous with Satsuma ware.

In contrast, the export Satsuma pottery emerged during the nineteenth century and swiftly gained immense popularity among consumers in the western world. The stunning gilded enamel designs on these pieces captured the attention of buyers, thereby making Satsuma ware one of Japan’s most profitable export products during this period.

  • Satsuma ware has its roots in the Satsuma Province of southern Kyūshū.
  • There are two types of Satsuma pottery: early Satsuma and export Satsuma.
  • Early Satsuma ware was primarily crafted for practical everyday use, featuring simple and functional designs.
  • Export Satsuma ware gained immense popularity in the western world during the nineteenth century.
  • This type of Satsuma pottery is known for its breathtaking gilded enamel designs.
  • Satsuma ware became one of Japan’s most profitable export products during this period.

“The breathtaking gilded enamel designs on Satsuma ware captured the attention of buyers, making it one of Japan’s most profitable export products during this period.”

Rise In Popularity And Western Export

The export of Satsuma pottery played a significant role in funding Meiji period reforms due to its immense appeal among western consumers. The exquisite gilded enamel designs became highly sought after, forging a lucrative market for Japanese artisans.

The distinctiveness of Satsuma ware caught the attention of the world when it was showcased at the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle. This international exposition brought fame to Satsuma pottery and paved the way for its widespread popularity in the West.

The demand for export Satsuma skyrocketed following the Paris exhibition. As a result, numerous Satsuma ware workshops sprouted across Japan, with over twenty factories producing these exquisite pieces by the late 1800s. The pottery adapted its style to cater to foreign preferences, featuring densely packed floral patterns and symbols like pagodas, folding fans, and kimono-clad women.

However, the increasing production of Satsuma ware led to a decline in quality and originality due to mass production. Critics and collectors deemed these works as a betrayal of Japanese tradition, denigrating the once-revered craft.

Satsuma Ware: History And Influences

Satsuma ware has its historical roots in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century when Korean potters were brought to Japan. Nestled in southern Kyūshū, the Satsuma region flourished as a pottery production center due to its plentiful local clay and its proximity to the Korean peninsula.

Throughout its history, Satsuma pottery has embraced diverse influences. The intricate iron-red, lustrous blue, bluish green, soft purple-black, and sparingly used yellow colors adorning these pieces reflect the impact of Kyoto pottery and the Kanō school of painting. The designs often showcase delicate floral patterns, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty.

As mass production resulted in a decline in popularity and quality, collectors turned their attention to older, more refined pieces known as early Satsuma. However, it is important to note that many of these highly sought-after items were actually superior-quality pre-Meiji nineteenth-century works or even skillful counterfeits.

  • Satsuma ware originated with Korean potters brought to Japan in the sixteenth or seventeenth century.
  • The Satsuma region’s abundance of clay and proximity to the Korean peninsula contributed to its pottery production success.
  • Satsuma pottery shows the influence of Kyoto pottery and the Kanō school of painting through its colors and designs.
  • The designs of Satsuma pottery often include light and simple floral patterns.
  • Collectors seek early Satsuma pieces for their refined quality, preferring pre-Meiji nineteenth-century works.
  • It is essential to be cautious of skillful counterfeit Satsuma pieces.

Quality And Characteristics Of Satsuma Pottery

Satsuma pottery is a type of Japanese pottery that is renowned for its high-quality glaze and finish. Unlike other forms of Japanese pottery, Satsuma exhibits a distinct set of characteristics that make it truly unique.

One of the notable features of Satsuma pottery is its exquisite hand-painted designs. These designs are often gilded with enamel, giving them a stunning and luxurious appearance. Additionally, genuine Satsuma pieces may bear stamps or marks that indicate the artist or place of origin, adding to their authenticity and value.

Dating Satsuma pottery can be quite challenging, especially with early pieces that rarely had stamps or signatures. However, collectors and experts can often rely on other factors, such as the style and technique used, to determine the approximate age of a piece.

Unlike porcelain, which is commonly used in Japanese pottery, Satsuma ware is predominantly made from stoneware clay. This gives it a unique texture and durability that are distinct from other types of pottery.

Satsuma pottery also showcases a wide range of glaze types. These include white-glazed (Shiro Satsuma), black-bodied with dark overglaze (Kuro Satsuma), and those with blue, yellow, and black glazes (Jakatsu). Each glaze type adds to the overall beauty and allure of Satsuma pottery.

In conclusion, Satsuma pottery is a highly prized form of Japanese pottery known for its high-quality glaze, exquisite hand-painted designs, and unique characteristics. Its rich history and distinct features make it a fascinating and collectible art form.

  • Satsuma pottery is renowned for its high-quality glaze and finish
  • Hand-painted designs are often gilded with enamel
  • Genuine Satsuma pieces may bear stamps or marks indicating the artist or place of origin
  • Dating Satsuma pottery can be challenging, as early pieces rarely had stamps or signatures
  • Satsuma ware is predominantly made from stoneware clay, distinguishing it from porcelain
  • Satsuma pottery showcases various glaze types, including white-glazed, black-bodied with dark overglaze, and those with blue, yellow, and black glazes

Collecting And Caring For Satsuma Ware

For collectors, delving into the world of Satsuma pottery offers an opportunity to appreciate and cherish this ancient craft. It is essential to familiarize oneself with auction prices to understand the correlation between quality and price. However, it is advisable to approach collecting by choosing pieces that personally resonate and hold aesthetic appeal.

When caring for Satsuma pottery, one must exercise caution. Unlike porcelain, Satsuma ware does not possess a protective layer, making it susceptible to damage. Gentle handling and careful cleaning are crucial to ensure the preservation of these remarkable pieces.

Satsuma pottery from the Meiji period, which spans from 1868 to 1912, can be found at varying price points, ranging from less than one hundred pounds to thousands of pounds. Given its historical significance and timeless beauty, collecting Meiji Satsuma pottery has the potential to serve as a profitable investment in the future.

Satsuma pottery stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Its origins in southern Kyūshū and subsequent rise in popularity through western export have left an indelible mark on the art world. By understanding the history, influences, qualities, and proper care of Satsuma ware, both collectors and enthusiasts can embrace and celebrate this ancient craft that has captivated the world for centuries.

  • Appreciate and cherish Satsuma pottery
  • Familiarize with auction prices to understand quality and price correlation
  • Choose pieces based on personal resonance and aesthetic appeal
  • Exercise caution when handling and cleaning Satsuma pottery
  • Satsuma pottery from the Meiji period can range in price from less than one hundred pounds to thousands of pounds
  • Satsuma pottery is a profitable investment
  • Satsuma pottery represents Japan’s rich cultural heritage

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Satsuma style pottery?

Satsuma style pottery is a distinctive form of earthenware that emerged from the Satsuma province in Southern Kyūshū, Japan. Renowned for its intricate design and exquisite craftsmanship, Satsuma ware showcases the rich artistic heritage of the region. Characterized by its finely detailed motifs, vibrant colors, and often featuring depictions of people, landscapes, or mythology, Satsuma style pottery has become highly sought after, both domestically and internationally. The combination of traditional Japanese techniques and the influence of Chinese and Western styles has resulted in the unique and captivating beauty that defines Satsuma style pottery.

How do you identify Satsuma pottery?

Satsuma pottery can be easily identified by the presence of a distinct mark on the underside of the piece. One commonly found symbol is a circle with a cross, known as the Shimazu Mon. This emblem represents the ruling family of Satsuma, the Shimazu clan. Whether it is integrated into the design or simply stamped onto the pottery, this marking serves as a key feature in identifying Satsuma pottery.

What is Satsuma pottery made of?

Satsuma pottery is crafted from a distinct type of stoneware composed of iron-rich dark clay coated in a dark glaze. Dating back to before 1790, early Satsuma pieces were simple and unadorned, designed as practical everyday items for those residing in rustic settings or as utensils for tea ceremonies. The pottery’s composition and lack of intricate decoration highlight its origin as humble folk-ware meant for functional purposes.

What is the history of Satsuma pottery?

The fascinating history of Satsuma pottery traces back to the 17th century in Japan when the daimyo of Satsuma, belonging to the esteemed Shimazu family, transitioned from being warlords to becoming patrons of the arts. The establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate marked a pivotal shift that allowed the daimyo to embrace the arts, giving birth to the flourishing Satsuma pottery tradition. With its origins deeply intertwined with the evolution of the Shimazu dynasty and the changing socio-political landscape of the time, Satsuma pottery became synonymous with artistic expression and cultural refinement. Through its intricate craftsmanship and distinctive aesthetic, Satsuma pottery mesmerized audiences and continues to captivate art enthusiasts around the world today.

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