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I know these vases are made by Sato-Shippo. Does anyone have an idea of how old they are? I know Sato is still in business today. Thanks.

It seems evident from my experience in the market that Japanese makers mass produced 'akasuke' (pigeon blood) ginbari cloisonne ware like this during the third quarter of the 20th century. Much of it was sold through outlets such as the US military exchange system in Asia and large department stores everywhere. It came in green among other colors.

In my experience, the bulk of such production during this period had a 'bird in bamboo' motif stamped into the silver foil. The rims generally were of silverplate on brass. The wares did not always have marks impressed into the rim but probably came in a marked box or with paper labels.

If your vases have impressed marks and solid silver rims, it is a good sign that they may have been made during the early 20th century, perhaps during the late Taisho to early Showa period (circa 1920-30). Silverplate rims probably mean a post-occupation (after 1954) date, in my opinion.

Best regards,

Bill

Thanks for your help Bill. Here is a picture of the bottom rim showing the inscription and the maker's mark for Sato.

Hi Brian,
I can't see absolutely from the pic you have posted, but if they are enamel, they were made during the 1950s and 1960s.
My family brought a pair back from Japan during that time fitted with electric globes and large pale pink silk open upward facing lotus shaped shades.
Phillip

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