Five Satsuma Japanese vases estimated under £500 at auction

The best Satsuma pieces are valued into thousands of pounds but decorative items can be bought for a fraction of this and are often sought by decorators and interior designers. For more on the subject, read Antiques Trade Gazette’s latest feature on the Satsuma wares.

Here is a selection of Satsuma or Satsuma-style Japanese vases to be offered at auction in the coming days estimated under £500.

1. 'Houzan' vases

A pair of 10in (25cm) high cobalt blue with gold outline vases (pictured above) are painted with similar themes in two cartouches: geishas under a maple tree and surrounded by chrysanthemum, peonies, sakura, birds. The base bears the maker's sign in gold 'Houzan'.

They will be offered at Lyon & Turnbull on November 6 with an estimate of £300-500.

2. Hexagonal vases

A pair of 6in (15.5cm) high early 20th century Japanese satsuma vases in hexagonal form with panels decorated with warriors. Estimate: £40-60 at Special Auction Services on November 5.

A pair of 6in (15.5cm) high early 20th century Japanese satsuma vases in hexagonal form with panels decorated with warriors.

They are estimated at £40-60 at Special Auction Services in Newbury on November 5.

3. Satsuma and gosu blue vases

A 2ft 1in (63cm) Satsuma vase with a gosu blue vase estimated at £80-120 at Gorringe's on Novmeber 4.

This large 2ft 1in (63cm) Satsuma vase with a gosu blue vase will be offered on November 4 at Gorringe’s in Lewes, Sussex with an estimate of £80-120.

4. Garden settings

A pair of 7in (18cm) high Japanese Meiji period Satsuma pottery vases, as found (a/f) estimated at £50-£100 Bentley’s on November 2.

A pair of 7in (18cm) high Japanese Meiji period Satsuma pottery vases, signed and painted in enamels and gilt with female figures in garden settings.

With an estimate of £50-£100 the auction house, Bentley’s in Kent, is selling them as found (a/f) on November 2.

5. Seascape subject

A pair of Satsuma-style baluster vases estimated at £30-50 at Mendip Auction Rooms on November 2.

Mendip Auction Rooms will offer this 8.5in (22cm) pair of Satsuma-style baluster vases, decorated with a samurai before a seascape, with an estimate of £30-50 in Somerset on November 2.

... Splash the cash

A Satsuma ovoid vase estimated at £2000-3000 at Bonhams on November 4-5.

For those with a larger budget, a collection is being offered at Bonhams’ Asian Art sale on November 4-5 including this 9.5in (24cm high) Satsuma ovoid vase from the Meiji period. Decorated with a people on the shores of a lake before Mount Fuji, it is signed possibly Ryokuzan. Estimate: £2000-3000.