What is a Japanese Satsuma vase?

A type of Japanese pottery originated from Satsuma province in Japan is termed as Satsuma ware. A vase of this kind is known as a Satsuma vase. An interesting fact about Satsuma ware is that they feature a "makers mark" or marking as a key to help collectors unlock the value, age and authenticity of the piece. Shop a range of antique and vintage Japanese vases on 1stDibs.

How do I date a Satsuma vase?

To date a Satsuma vase, study its mark. Vases made before World War II normally feature a mark in Japanese. A vase that says "Royal Satsuma" likely dates back to the late 20th century. You'll find a variety of expertly vetted Satsuma vases on 1stDibs.

A face vase is a type of decorative object with an open top and a design that resembles a human face. In some cases, the facial features extend outwards from the vase. Other pieces feature carved, engraved or painted faces. On 1stDibs, find a selection of face vases.

How do I know if my Satsuma vase is valuable?

One way to tell if your Satsuma vase is valuable is to look for markings on it. The oldest and typically most expensive pieces will usually have the Shimazu family crest — a circle with a cross through it — hand-painted on the bottom. If the piece is stamped with the marking or says "Made in Japan" in the Roman alphabet, it is a newer vase. Factors like the style of the vase and its condition will also impact its price. It's a good idea to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer evaluate your vase to determine its value. Find a variety of Satsuma vases on 1stDibs.

Satsuma Vase Faces

Japanese Satsuma Meiji

Antique Satsuma One Thousand Faces and Dragon Meiji Period Baluster Shaped Vase

$1,595

Antique Satsuma One Thousand Faces and Dragon Meiji Period Baluster Shaped Vase

By Satsuma

Located in Tustin, CA

A very exquisite and elaborately detailed collectible antique hand made "A Thousand Faces" Japanese Satsuma earthenware pottery baluster shaped vase features intricately hand painted...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Recent Sales

Satsuma Kyoto Vase with Scenic Panels, Pierced Sides, Gosu Blue, circa 1880

Unavailable

H 13 in Dm 7.49 in

Satsuma Kyoto Vase with Scenic Panels, Pierced Sides, Gosu Blue, circa 1880

Located in Geelong, Victoria

Impressive Kyoto Satsuma vase with flat faces painted after Japanese woodblock prints, one side with figures in the rain, the other with a samurai warrior on horseback on a moonlit n...

Category

Antique 1880s Japanese Ceramics

Satsuma Thousand Face Vase or Urn Palace Sized Twin Handled

Sold

H 35.25 in Dm 16 in

Satsuma Thousand Face Vase or Urn Palace Sized Twin Handled

Located in Stamford, CT

Satsuma thousand face vase or urn palace sized twin handled 35.5 inches high having a gilt Greek key designed rim.

Category

Vintage 1950s Chinese Export Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Satsuma Lidded Koro Artist Signed with Dragons and Faces Very Detailed

Sold

H 10 in W 8 in D 6 in

Japanese Satsuma Lidded Koro Artist Signed with Dragons and Faces Very Detailed

Located in Ann Arbor, MI

Japanese Satsuma Lidded Koro Artist Signed With Dragons and faces very detailed Meiji Era Vessel with amazing signature on the bottom in red.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Urns

Materials

Pottery

Satsuma Imperial Vase "A Thousand Faces" Meiji Period

Sold

H 6.3 in Dm 3.15 in

Satsuma Imperial Vase "A Thousand Faces" Meiji Period

By Satsuma

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Satsuma Imperial Vase "A Thousand Faces" Meiji Period A Japanese collectible vase, hand painted decorated with intricate designs and figures, with a classic shape and painted with va...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Pair Japanese Meiji Satsuma 1000 Faces Porcelain Vases Circa 1900

Sold

H 6 in Dm 2.75 in

Antique Pair Japanese Meiji Satsuma 1000 Faces Porcelain Vases Circa 1900

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Pair Japanese Meiji Satsuma 1000 Faces Porcelain Vases Circa 1900 Measures - 6"h x 2.75"diam

Category

Early 20th Century Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

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Questions About Satsuma Vase Faces

What is a Japanese Satsuma vase?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A type of Japanese pottery originated from Satsuma province in Japan is termed as Satsuma ware. A vase of this kind is known as a Satsuma vase. An interesting fact about Satsuma ware is that they feature a "makers mark" or marking as a key to help collectors unlock the value, age and authenticity of the piece. Shop a range of antique and vintage Japanese vases on 1stDibs.
How do I date a Satsuma vase?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To date a Satsuma vase, study its mark. Vases made before World War II normally feature a mark in Japanese. A vase that says "Royal Satsuma" likely dates back to the late 20th century. You'll find a variety of expertly vetted Satsuma vases on 1stDibs.
What is a face vase?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A face vase is a type of decorative object with an open top and a design that resembles a human face. In some cases, the facial features extend outwards from the vase. Other pieces feature carved, engraved or painted faces. On 1stDibs, find a selection of face vases.
How do I know if my Satsuma vase is valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
One way to tell if your Satsuma vase is valuable is to look for markings on it. The oldest and typically most expensive pieces will usually have the Shimazu family crest — a circle with a cross through it — hand-painted on the bottom. If the piece is stamped with the marking or says "Made in Japan" in the Roman alphabet, it is a newer vase. Factors like the style of the vase and its condition will also impact its price. It's a good idea to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer evaluate your vase to determine its value. Find a variety of Satsuma vases on 1stDibs.