Featured Japanese Satsuma Vase - Advice appreciated.

Hello! Although it's not something I would normally collect, I have the opportunity to purchase a Japanese Satsuma-type vase.
My experience of such items is very limited, and , naturally, I don't want to end up making an expensive mistake. I would very much appreciate any help I can get from you guys.
I am aware that Satsuma ceramic wares are fairly common and usually relatively inexpensive. This particular vase appears (in my view, anyway) to be not the usual day-to-day type of Satsuma that you normally see, but then again, it's not cheap at €260 !
It was previously used as a lamp - but with a top-mounted fitment ie not drilled, as is often the case. It stands about 48cm high and is (supposedly) in good condition.

I would be very grateful to hear the opinions of any experts out there, especially if anyone is able to comment on the scene depicted and also it's quality/desirability. Many thanks to you all !!!!!!

 

Are there any marks on the bottom?

 

This is one of the good ones, you won't find many of this quality at that price. Lamped or not, not important. This is a magnificent piece and a steal at that price.

 

puts a lot of others I see here to shame......imo..

 

I agree, this is one of the quality ones.

 

I used to collect Satsuma and this
is a fine piece. The style of decoration is not as popular as some of the other more delicately decorated pieces but it is still a fairly valuable piece. Signature would help you get a better idea of value.

 

Ditto... Your example displays good quality.

Can someone explain to me the difference between Imari & Satsuma? I've often wondered as they can often look the same to me

 

To me Imari is iron red and blue decorations with gold highlights on a white ground, but my knowledge of Imari could be lacking.

 

Imari is porcelain. Usually in dark blues and reds. Satsuma is a creamy crackle glazed earthenware.

 

Thanks for that. I've learned something.

 

Me Likey!!!
Mikey

 

You should be able to identify the piece by style. With the exception of the greats like my favourite, Taizan Yohei IX, most Satsuma is pretty pedestrian with kannon, bunches of ladies or haloed monks everywhere. The wisteria florals are pretty nice though.

This vase has a documentary design which I find far more interesting -and in the long run, will be seen as a higher form of expression than the run-of-the-mill common motifs. Also I disagree that the decoration isn't "delicate" - I find it to be extremely fine.

 

I'd certainly give it some shelf or floor space! It's a nice piece.

 

My preference is for pieces such as those by Yabu Meizan which in my opinion is more delicate. I am not saying this is not fine but it is strong, bold and dark whereas pieces by Ryozan, Kinkozan and Yabu Meizan are softer. Here is my Yabu Meizan Moon Flask and a Yabu Meizan box which I sold at Bonhams a few years ago to show what I mean.

 

Something about Kinko riding a carp (koi).

 

You and your Yabu Meizan

 

Many, many thanks to you all for your most generous contributions. Sorry to reply so late, but I've been distracted with a minor crisis that has taken much of my time. It's nice to get some good news for a change ! I've already paid for the vase, which will (hopefully!) be delivered to the house of a relative of mine, who happens to live near the seller. My wife likes the photos of the vase very much and yesterday remarked "....I hope you're NOT going to sell it!" in a slightly threatening tone, which further reinforces my decision to keep this one ! However, call me Mister Cynical, but as other antiquers may have experienced in the past - until you get the item in your hands and carefully examine it, the old phrase ' Never count your chickens....' should not be forgotten.
Perhaps the fact that it was advertised as an 'Antique Lamp Vase' put off other buyers, who immediately thought of a drilled base or side. However, the cable in this vase was fed through a hole in a brass cover plate on the top. I've attached a pic so you can see what I mean.
Once again, thank you all very much !

 

New Pics. Unfortunately, due to the miserable weather, I had to take the pics at night (with flash). At least they give a better idea as to the quality of detail on the vase.

 

Hello Bakersgma ! Unfortunately, there is no makers mark on the base. However, the design does include some Japenese script, which may or may not refer to the painter. Please see thumbnails below. All the best !

 

Hello Blooey ! Thanks for your comments. I have managed to remove the brass lampholder from the neck of the vase. Fortunately, the side and base have not been drilled. I have attached a few thumbnails so you can get a better idea of the quality. I must agree with you, it's not bad ! Regards.