Chinese Vases

by Cathy
(Nova Scotia, Canada)

Vase - close up

Vase - close up

Vase - close up Three Chinese Vases Markings on one of the vases The three vases

My mother is in possession of three Chinese vases. I believe my grandmother brought them to England from China in the late 1800's. We are wondering if they are valuable, what the markings mean, what they could be worth. I have several pics. I'll post a couple.

Comment from Kat ...


Cathy your vases appear to be a matched trio of Japaneses Satsuma ware vases, very nicely decorated.

The Satsuma mark could be Satsuma, Gyokuzan with the Shimazu circular crest above the inscription. If so, they will probably date to the Meiji period (1868-1912)

Satsuma ware mostly comes in a yellowish earthenware, decorated with Japanese figures, samurai with expressive faces or detailed oriental landscapes. It sometimes includes dragons in relief.

It was a Japanese export product designed in the mid-19th century for western tastes. The Japanese themselves had very little interest in this ware.

Value depends very much on condition and the quality of the decoration. currently there are Satsuma vases for sale with prices that range between $95 USD and £1500 GBP. Have a look through our Japaneses Vases for Sale for some basic comparisons.

But the best thing to do is have the trio valued by your local auctioneer

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Chinese Vases

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Great site to go about Asian vases
by: Anonymous

Go to www.gothburg.com. I may have the spelling wrong, but the site will give you lots of information

Free valuation at Sothebys Bond Street
by: Anonymous

Take them to Sothebys on New Bond Street, London for a free valuation. You do not have to book an appointment and you can go on any day of the week. If you live outside London it is best to phone them first to confirm that they are open on the day you intend to visit.

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