Japanese Satsuma-Style Owl and Butterfly Vase

Updated August 18, 2026

Tall Japanese Satsuma-style ceramic vase of baluster form, decorated in a restrained cream, brown, gilt, and pale green palette with an exceptionally appealing naturalistic owl perched upon a gnarled flowering branch beneath a stylized moon, the reverse featuring a large butterfly in flight amid misty mountain outlines and cloud forms. The vessel is further embellished with raised gilt-accented branchwork and a pair of bold scrolling handles with beaded ornament, while the mouth and foot are finished with broad metallic-toned bands. The composition reflects the strong Japanese decorative interest in birds, insects, flowering branches, and atmospheric landscape imagery associated with late Meiji and early Taisho export ceramics; comparable period Satsuma wares frequently combine elaborate gilding with bird, butterfly, and landscape decoration. The underside bears hand-painted numerals appearing to read “196” over “4,” but no identifiable factory or artist signature is visible in the supplied photographs. Condition shows noticeable rubbing and losses to the gilt and metallic decoration, particularly around the neck, foot, and handles, together with scattered surface wear, light staining and age-related discoloration; no major structural damage is apparent from the photographs. Measures 13.215"H x 6.5"W x 5"D.

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