Collector’s Gallery: Satsuma or Surprise?
Dr. Anthony Cavo examines a donated plate, explaining the marks, design, and value clues that reveal whether the piece is authentic Satsuma ware.
Q: I am working with a church that hosts a huge annual rummage sale. A plate was donated that we researched online. We want to know if it is authentic Satsuma ware. Who can we consult with? I have attached two photos of the plate, front and back. Thank you for your help.
A: You did not include the diameter of this piece; however, it appears to be a charger. A charger is an average size of 13” in diameter. The charger depicts a detailed landscape design with a fine, crackled glaze. Key identifying features of Satsuma ware chargers include a fine crackle (crazing) in the glaze across the entire surface, ivory or creamy earthenware base color, intricate hand-painted scenes, often landscapes, nature, or figures, with delicate overglaze enamels.
The inscription on the base of this piece consists of three elements. At the top is the circle with a cross—the Shimazu family crest, a common symbol on Satsuma ware, and a hallmark of pottery from the Satsuma domain in Kyushu. Below the crest, the middle character 造 (zo) means “made by” or “created by” (commonly used to denote authorship on Japanese ceramics). The bottom character 山 (yama or zan) means “mountain” and is frequently seen as part of artist or kiln names on Satsuma pieces.
Overall, the inscription can be interpreted as “Made by Zan” or “Made by Yama,” with a direct reference to the Satsuma tradition through the Shimazu family crest at the top. Many Satsuma makers incorporated “山” (zan/yama) in their names, and it might be an abbreviation or the kiln’s name.
All these elements match what is seen in your images—the “Shimazu Mon” mark, the nature scene with iris flowers, reeds, and a traditional house, and an overall very typical Satsuma decorative style of the late Meiji to early Taisho period. The Meiji period lasted from 1868 to 1912, and was followed by the Taishō period, which ran from 1912 to 1926.
A typical 10-inch Satsuma ware charger with landscape decoration and the Shimazu crest—like the example shown—generally sells on the current market for $150 to $400, depending on condition and the absence of major restoration. A 13-inch charger falls in the $200-$550 range. Exceptional examples or those by renowned artists/kilns can fetch more (up to $700+), but unsigned or standard-marked pieces usually remain in this range at auction and through antique dealers. Factors such as the crispness of the decoration, level of detail, gold highlights, and the absence of cracks or repairs can increase value; conversely, restoration or damage will reduce it. You may not realize this price at a church rummage sale, but you can place a price on it and take offers.
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Dr. Anthony J. Cavo is an honors graduate of the Asheford Institute of Antiques and a graduate of Reisch College of Auctioneering. He has extensive experience in the field of buying and selling antiques and collectibles. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.
