Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries


Visitors' Forum

Asian Art  Forums - Detail List
Asian Art Forums

Message Listing by Date:
Message Index | Back | Post a New Message | Search | Private Mail | FAQ
Subject:Help with Satsuma mark #1
Posted By: Roger Wed, Dec 11, 2024 IP: 71.205.135.53

Hello all,
Request your help with this Satsuma bowl signature. I love the detail. Would also appreciate your thoughts on the piece. Cheers!







Subject:Re: Help with Satsuma mark #1
Posted By: Renato Sun, Dec 15, 2024

This mark is a typical Japanese Satsuma porcelain signature from the late 19th century to early 20th century, during the Meiji period. The circle with a cross mark on Satsuma ware is the Shimazu Mon, the crest of the Satsuma family. The inverted 大日本 (Dai Nippon): "Great Japan" — A common phrase used on Japanese ceramics, especially during the Meiji era (1868–1912), to indicate pride in Japanese craftsmanship and the origin of the item. 長州山 (Chōshūzan): "Chōshū Mountain" is a kiln name, referring to the place (its missing som parts) *山画 - * zan ga - "Painted by *zan. 生广製 (Shōkō sei): Produced by the manufacturer Shōkō".

A hug from Brazil
Renato

Subject:Re: Help with Satsuma mark #1
Posted By: Roger Mon, Dec 16, 2024

Thank you Renato! Very helpful!

Subject:Re: Help with Satsuma mark #1
Posted By: Renato Wed, Dec 18, 2024

The inclusion of figures with halos and the presence of a dragon strongly suggests an unidentified scene from Buddhist mythology. We can see indeed a group of 18 Arhats, disciples of the Buddha known for their wisdom and spiritual attainment. The combination of clouds, dragons, and seated or standing figures suggests a celestial realm or divine gathering.
The number 18 is significant in Buddhist tradition, as it refers to the 18 Arhats (Jūhachirakan), who are revered disciples of the Buddha. These enlightened beings are depicted as guardians of the Dharma, witnessing spiritual acts, trials, or performances of divine power. Ryūjin is the dragon god of the seas and a powerful, wise entity. Dragons in Buddhist tradition are neither wholly evil nor purely good; they can represent both chaos and wisdom.The subjugation of Ryūjin is a trying to conquering spiritual trials of ignorance.

But who could be the monk like figure who is fighting the dragon with a staff? Tough to me to say...Susano-o no Mikoto Killed the Eight-headed Dragon...he is then famous for slaying the dragon Yamata no Orochi in mythology (it definetly not 8 heads).So also Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri Bodhisattva) is often depicted wielding a sword or staff to cut through ignorance.I really do not know exactly, but, if you ask me who could be the main candidate for this monk like figure here I would tell you he could be Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri), the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Monju is often depicted wielding weapons or magical implements to symbolize his ability to cut through ignorance and overcome spiritual obstacles. Maybe you can begin your quest from here.

A hug from Brazil,
Renato


Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |