Large Japanese Satsuma-style earthenware vase with elephant-ear handles and moriage decoration - - Earthenware - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

A richly decorated and imposing Japanese Satsuma-style baluster vase, made of characteristic ivory-colored earthenware with a fine crazed glaze. This vase is extensively hand-painted in a lively polychrome palette of iron red, gold, green, and white enamel.

Special Features

Elephant-handles:
The neck of the vase features two sculptural handles in the shape of detailed elephant heads with the trunks pointed downward.

Moriage technique:
The surface is embellished with raised enamel details (moriage), giving a tangible relief and a luxurious look to the geometric and floral patterns (including large peonies).

Figurative Decoration:
The body of the vase shows two detailed, continuous scenes with traditional Japanese figures, including a scholar or courtier studying a scroll, flanked by assistants and samurai in richly worked garments.

Mark:
On the underside there is a hand-painted red mark (iron-red). The characters are arranged vertically in columns and begin at the top right with the patriotic characters "Dai Nippon" (大日本), which means "Great Japan" and is characteristic of export pieces from the late Meiji, Taisho to early Showa period. The remaining characters indicate the specific studio or painter (likely a Satsuma-related atelier or Kyoto workshop).

Specifications

Origin:
Japan

Material:
Crazed earthenware (Earthenware / Faience)

Period:
Circa 1920-1950 (Early Showa period)

Style:
Satsuma

Condition:
Good original condition with normal signs of age. The glaze shows the typical, natural craquelure inherent to this type of Satsuma earthenware. Light wear to the gold/enamel consistent with age. No major cracks or restorations visible (carefully view the detail photos of the interior and the stand ring for your own impression).