Accession Number

992.019

Alternate Name

thousand faces vase

Description

One Japanese Satsuma vase, conical shape and narrower at the base. Around the body of the vase is a scene of hand-painted Japanese male warriors on a gold background, each with a large gold halo. Four men are in high relief, larger than the others, and 11cm height. They are standing on golden rocks. Between each of these figures are the torsos, heads, and shoulders of 62 men and one woman. Hand painted on the bottom of the vase is a round circle with an "+" mark inside it.

Narrative

This vase was made in Satsuma Province in southern Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. It probably dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

The popular scene depicted was known as the "thousand faces". 

History of Use

The donor of this vase purchased it at the James K. Nesbitt Estate sale held at Kilshaw's Auctioneers. It was lot #367. He had owned it while living in his condominium residence on Heywood Avenue, Victoria, B.C. This record includes a photograph of the vase in his apartment. It is not known where and when Mr. Nesbitt acquired this vase. 

Dimensions

26 x 10 cm

Material

Ceramic, earthenware

Technique

Moulded; Enamelled; Fired

Country of Origin

Japan